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Wednesday 17 september 2025 locAl
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Episode CCCXXI -321
“What Will Remain of Aruba? Part II — How Our Natural Heritage Is Being Paved Away”
Etnia Nativa (Native Ethnicity) is dedicated to recov-
ering and celebrating Aruba’s cultural identity and
heritage. Through this platform, we share an authen-
tic native perspective, raise awareness, and inspire
our readers to embrace the mindset of a caretaker
of Aruba.
In our previous episode, The Price of Paradise..., we
voiced our concerns about the exploitation of our
land. In this second part we pose a question that
many of us—as residents—ask ourselves daily: How
much more of our beloved rock must be destroyed
before we choose a different?
We are living in a pivotal moment. Many of Aruba’s The consequences are already un- ba grow in a way that respects both its
tourism-driven industries remain focused on maximiz- folding. Coastal erosion is accelerat- people and its environment?
ing corporate revenue, often with little regard for the ing. Native birds and reptiles are losing The decisions we make today will not
long-term consequences. This unchecked and un- their habitats. Flooding during heavy only shape the next few years—they
regulated pursuit of profit is taking a serious toll on our rains is more frequent, especially in ar- will define our island for generations
ecosystems, our community’s well-being, and our cul- eas where natural buffers have been to come. Now is the time to choose
tural identity. removed. These aren’t isolated envi- a path that honors the beauty of our
Our small, beautiful island is straining under mounting ronmental shifts—they affect public land, the resilience of our people, and
pressure. Waste accumulates in natural areas, eco- health, community safety, and the the future we all deserve.
logical degradation is accelerating, and the loss of very identity that makes Aruba unique. This article is presented by Etnia Nativa,
unique native species has become alarmingly vis- Meanwhile, many local families face offering a cultural perspective on the
ible. Aruba’s land and surrounding seas are being a different kind of crisis: rising costs of urgent need to rethink the future of
reshaped—not by time, but by chemical waste, un- living and a lack of affordable hous- tourism in Aruba.
treated runoff, reckless construction, and overdevel- ing. For young Arubans, the decision is At Etnia Nativa, we invite you to ex-
opment. heartbreaking—stay on the island with plore the true cultural fabric of Aruba.
Towering beachfront hotels continue to rise, replac- limited opportunity, or leave in search As the Caribbean’s only living muse-
ing the once-uninterrupted views of our sunsets. Bit by of a better future. For them, develop- um, we proudly showcase the island’s
bit, the coastline that generations have cherished is ment isn’t about luxury; it’s about sur- rich mestizaje—a dynamic blend of
being eroded, both physically and spiritually. vival—finding stable work, a home, cultures and traditions.
and a reason to stay. Since 1994, we’ve been pioneers in
As Aruba’s population grows and tourism demands So where is the balance? cultural preservation. As co-founders
intensify, our limited land has become a battleground Encouragingly, some local initiatives of Aruba’s National Park, the Archae-
between economic development and environmen- are beginning to emerge—projects ological Museum, and several artisan
tal preservation—a clash between the haves and the that support green building, protect and community-driven initiatives, we
have-nots. From the mangroves of Savaneta to the natural corridors, and prioritize com- continue to advocate for sustainable,
cactus-dotted plains of Noord, concrete is replacing munity voices in planning decisions. culturally rooted tourism.
nature. Gated communities, luxury resorts, and sprawl- But these efforts are still dwarfed by Connect with the spirit and soul of Aru-
ing infrastructure now stand where native flora and the relentless pace of large-scale de- ba’s ancient heritage through a one-
fauna once thrived—where wetlands once served as velopment. of-a-kind experience.
natural barriers against floods and storm surges. The critical question remains: Can Aru- Book your Etnia Nativa Experience to-
day! WhatsApp +297 592 2702 or etni-
anativa03@gmail.com q
But Etnia Nativa isn’t just a place — it’s
a gateway. Quietly tucked away near
the high-rise hotels, this private resi-
dence also serves as a cultural sanc-
tuary, unknown to most tourists. And
that’s part of its magic. Intentionally
exclusive, it welcomes only those with
a genuine curiosity and a thirst for au-
thentic discovery.
Connect with the spirit and soul of Aru-
ba’s ancient heritage through a one-
of-a-kind experience.
WhatsApp: +297 592 2702 or
Email: etnianativa03@gmail.com
