Page 23 - AHATA

A16 LOCAL
Tuesday 29 OcTOber 2019
Grow a tree initiative PlantAruba invited

the public to BAN LANTA Y PLANTA

Campaign Ban Lanta y planta of PlantAruba

envisions a cooler, greener Aruba

EAGLE BEACH — Bucuti & Tara Beach Re- October 25 – November 25 is a social me-
sort hosts press conference of PlantAru- dia contest where those entering have
ba, a local initiative to enrich the quality an opportunity to win prizes if they plant
of life for our residents and future genera- a tree, film the planting, and share and
tions, with trees. like it on facebook. Further details can be
found on the Ban Lanta y Planta social
The goal is clear: Ban Lanta y planta. media pages. Anita Aerts, chairwoman
The initiative is the brainchild of Ewald PlantAruba explains, “If every homeown-
Biemans, Chief Environmental Officer of er will plant one tree, we will have about
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, who was in- 40,000.00 additional trees on the island.
spired by a story on social media where Start small with just one tree and you will
planting trees by a couple over some make a difference. The added bonus
years led to reforestation of a previously is that you will add shade and a cooler
stripped and barren expanse of land. space in your garden, which ultimately
will help with energy costs if the tree is
After sharing the story on social media, planted strategically.” Aerts added.
inspired local community members orga-
nized and activated a fresh and power- After the press conference, Bucuti & Tara
ful initiative and called it PlantAruba. The Beach Resort launched the program
founders consist of environmental activists by planting the first tree, a Mango tree,
and local conservationists in the field and and two other fruit trees in its Resort gar-
together they created an action plan to den. Ewald Biemans explained: “Planting
motivate the community to achieve a these trees is just the beginning as we aim
greener and cooler Aruba with the beau- to plant many more. We hope this beau-
tiful simplicity of planting trees. tiful inaugural Mango tree will inspire the
community and inform of the benefits of
During the press conference, the archi- planting indigenous and regional trees.
tects of the plan shared their vision and Trees help against CO2 output, offer
objectives of the planting of (indigenous) shade, cool their surroundings and pos-
trees, including regional fruit trees on sibly bear fruit. After some time to take
residential plots, government land, and root, trees do not need a lot of water.
commercial land. Let’s all Ban Lanta y Planta for a greener
The Ban Lanta y Planta campaign from Aruba”, Biemans added.q

Moments to cherish forever with friends and family!

PALM BEACH — Recently, Aruba Tourism Au- from Connecticut who have been coming
thority NV representative Marouska Heyliger to the island for 20 consecutive years and re-
had the great pleasure in honoring loyal Aru- ceived the honorary title of Goodwill Ambas-
ba visitors with their distinctive certificates at sadors.
the Barcelo Aruba Resort. These certificates The honorees stated that they love coming
are a way to say “Masha Danki” for continu- back to the island for the friendly people of
ously choosing Aruba as a favorite vacation Barceló, beautiful beaches and fantastic res-
destination. The titles are as following: 10+ taurants.
years “Distinguished Visitor” and 20+ years
“Goodwill Ambassador” and 35+ years “Em- The ceremony which was held at Barcelo
erald Ambassador” Aruba was conducted by Heyliger together
with Sandra and Natasha, representatives of
The honorees were Darren Cook from Lon- the resort. They presented the honorees with
don honored as Distinguished Visitor. Cook some presents and thanked them for choos-
has been visiting the island for 15 consecutive ing Aruba as their home away from home.
year. Friends and families of the honorees also
Also honored were Robert and Anna Valenti joined this great celebration. q