Page 16 - AHATA

a8 local
Friday 16 May 2025

ACF presents its vision for Aruba’s nature

A collaborative research project with Wageningen University & Research

evening featured a program that tion. The presentation addressed
gave various foundations and gov- some of these findings.
ernment agencies the opportunity
to be part of a panel and discuss The WUR report not only presents the
topics related to the development challenges currently facing Aruba
of Aruba’s environment. but also offers a glimpse into the is-
land’s future. It outlines two scenari-
The research by WUR and ACF fo- os: one in which Aruba continues its
cuses on a new vision to address the current management—referred to as
effects of climate change, overpop- the “business as usual” approach—
ulation, and tourism on our nature, and another that prioritizes nature
among others. With the report titled across all sectors and lifestyles, called leadership, and concrete measures
Last week on May 7, 2025, the Aruba ‘Aruba 2050: A Nature-Inclusive Vi- the “nature-inclusive” approach. were highlighted as essential ele-
Conservation Foundation (ACF), in sion’, ACF and Wageningen highlight Both scenarios provide a stark con- ments to achieving a future where
Aruba’s natural environment and
collaboration with Wageningen Uni- the challenges Aruba’s environment trast, with the “business as usual”
versity & Research (WUR), held an is facing while providing a vision for approach leading to a doubling of its community can thrive and live in
informational evening during which how our natural surroundings can the tourist population, infrastructure harmony. q
they presented the results of a study evolve by the year 2050, along expansion to accommodate both
conducted by researchers from WUR with offering recommendations for tourists and immigrant workers, and
in the Netherlands about Aruba’s implementing measures to sustain a depletion of Aruba’s natural re-
natural environment and the ways Aruba’s environment. Dr. Lawrence sources like water and electricity. The
in which sustainable measures can emphasized that the project took nature-inclusive approach envisions
be implemented to protect and im- two years to complete and involved a future where tourism and popu-
prove the direction in which Aruba’s various methods of data collection, lation growth stabilize, focusing on
nature is headed. including interviews with different eco-tourism, using resources primar-
foundations and citizens, workshops, ily through sustainable methods like
Under the warm lights at Fort Zout- fieldwork, and the study of Aruba’s wind and solar energy, limiting un-
man, the presentation welcomed environmental policies. Through necessary construction (with priority
attendees from various foundations, the collected data, several areas given to restoring old buildings first),
government agencies, environmen- of concern for the development of and promoting local products.
tal lovers and activists, and even for- nature were identified. These include
mer Prime Minister Mike Eman, who overpopulation and urbanization, ex- During this informative and collab-
currently also holds the portfolio for cessive growth in tourism, climate orative evening, the strong desire for
Nature. Presented by Dr. Lawrence change, local food cultivation, con- drastic changes in the current ap-
Jones-Walters and Dr. Peter Verweij sumption power, renewable energy, proach to nature conservation was
from Wageningen University, the culture, and economic diversifica- evident. A shared vision, adequate

Enjoy one of the best views on Aruba at the top of the Hooiberg Hill

(Oranjestad)—If you are located at the center dis- ment decided to renovate view at this resting stop is
a regular hiker, or may- trict of the island, Santa these stairs in 1991. This also a sight to see.
be want to spice up your Cruz, the Hooiberg Hill is new project delivered the The best time to climb the
morning work out session, the second highest point newer staircase with only hill would be early in the
then you might enjoy one on the island at 165 meters 587 steps. However, don’t morning or right before
of the most popular climb- above sea level (or about be fooled—it may still be sunset, as it may not be as
ing sites on the island: The 540 feet above sea level). a work out to get on top. hot. However, the hill is of
Hooiberg Hill. Accompa- The highest point is Ja- In addition, there is now a course open all day, every
nied with a 600-step stair- manota Hill at 189 meters gazebo placed halfway up day. q
case, this hill overlooks a (620 feet), located in the the stair for a little rest. The
great part of the island, the Arikok National Park.
Caribbean sea, and some- The staircase that run on
times even the Santa Anna the side of the hill was first
mountain located in the built in 1951, when Mr. Edu-
coastal state of Falcon in ardo Tromp constructed it.
Venezuela, providing one At that time, the staircase
of the best views you can consisted of 900 steps.
get on Aruba. Over time, as the steps
faced erosion, the govern-