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LOCAL Thursday 13 November 2025
JOIA Aruba by Iberostar to Host the World Owl Conference 2026

ed in Eagle Beach, is part of Iberostar Hotels &
Resorts, an international hospitality company
committed to promoting a model of respon-
sible tourism, with a strong focus on scientific
collaboration and biodiversity protection with-
in the destinations where it operates.

As part of this ongoing commitment, JOIA
Aruba by Iberostar is an active member of the
Shoco Supporting Community Conservation
Agreement - a partnership with Bucuti & Tara
Beach Resort and Aruba Marriott Resort & Stel-
laris Casino for the support Aruba Birdlife Con-
servation (ABC)’s Shoco conservation project.
This alliance promotes community-based con- Birdlife Conservation and the WOC 2026 Or-
servation and education initiatives, such as the ganizing Committee, expressed his gratitude
installation of artificial burrows in local schools, for the opportunity to host the event: “We
to engage Aruba’s youth and foster a deeper feel humbled and proud that ABC has helped
sense of environmental stewardship and pride bring the World Owl Conference to Aruba.
in protecting the island’s national symbol. This gathering offers a remarkable opportunity
to share knowledge, strengthen international
The upcoming edition will place a special fo- collaboration, and raise awareness about the
cus on island dwelling owls and the unique importance of protecting our Shoco and oth-
Eagle Beach, Aruba — November 12, 2025 conservation challenges they face. Aruba’s er vulnerable owl species around the world.”
— JOIA Aruba by Iberostar will host the next beloved Shoco (Athene cunicularia aruben-
edition of the World Owl Conference 2026, sis), an endemic burrowing owl and a cher- Arnaud Le Lanchon, General Manager of
scheduled to take place from September 6th ished national symbol, will play a central role Iberostar Aruba, expressed his enthusiasm for
to 10th 2026. This landmark event will mark the in the program, highlighting the importance of hosting the event: “We are honored to wel-
first time the international conference is held in habitat preservation and biodiversity protec- come such a prestigious international confer-
the Caribbean. tion on the island. ence and experts from around the world. Aru-
ba’s natural heritage is unique and precious,
The World Owl Conference (WOC) is a pres- In preparation for this historic event, Aruba and we are proud to contribute to global con-
tigious international forum that gathers lead- Birdlife Conservation (ABC) has appointed Mr. servation efforts while showcasing the island’s
ing scientists, conservationists, and educators Jelte Kuipers as National Coordinator of the beauty and biodiversity.”
to share research and advance global strate- World Owl Conference 2026. A Dutch-born
gies for the protection of owl species. Since its emergency physician who has spent nearly The World Owl Conference 2026 at JOIA Aru-
first edition in 1987, the WOC has been held in seven years working in Aruba, Mr. Kuipers is ba by Iberostar promises to be a milestone for
cities such as Winnipeg (Canada), Canberra an active volunteer with ABC and a passion- scientific exchange, conservation advocacy,
(Australia), Groningen (the Netherlands), Évo- ate advocate for bird and nature conserva- and sustainable tourism in the Caribbean,
ra (Portugal), Pune (India), and La Crosse (Wis- tion. In his new role, he will oversee the local highlighting the island’s unique biodiversity
consin, USA). In 2026, the event will arrive in organization, coordinate with partners at both and Iberostar’s ongoing commitment to re-
the Caribbean for the first time, with Aruba set local and international levels, and ensure that sponsible tourism.
to welcome the world’s foremost owl experts Aruba delivers an exceptional conference ex-
and organizations. perience. For further information on the World Owl Con-
ference, please contact the email: contact@
JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, a 5-star hotel locat- Greg Peterson, speaking on behalf of Aruba worldowlconference.info q

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