Page 14 - AHATA

a4 local
Monday 6 January 2025

Aruba’s Nature is to be Cherished

ST. CRUZ — The national awareness of Aruba’s birds
park Arikok comprises and other native flora and
almost 18 % of the island. fauna. You may have seen
Its rugged terrain, desert- a ‘pink cloud’ lately at the
like hills filled with tall cacti, Bubali or Spanish Lagoon
breathtaking coastline and Wetlands areas? It’s
protected local flora and most likely to be Roseate
fauna welcome you to be Spoonbills (Ajaia ajaja) or
explored. There is numerous ‘Chucharon Cora’ as they idea of our entire island.
wildlife to discover like for are known in Papiamento. Lately there is a discussion
example the sea turtle who This unusual looking bird going on about the effect
lays his eggs on the park’s forages in shallow muddy certain activities have on
beaches. There are more water while sweeping its our nature, for example the
places on the island that flattened bill from side to ATV vehicles cause a lot of
are a preserved area like either on your own or months ago by the same side to catch small fish, dust, noise and leave tire
the Bubali Plas which is a during guided tours. A wide female hatches. A very rare crustaeceans and other tracks. Animals live in these
bird sanctuary. variety of educational and occurrence of daytime aquatic invertebrates. The areas where the vehicles
The national park Arikok informative programs and nesting and hatching. Sea Roseate Spoonbill remains run, often with high speed
takes you on a memorable fun activities is available. turtles prefer nesting in the an uncommon sight as and with detrimental
journey of the islands past Did you know that four of cool and dark hours of they are vulnerable to consequences to flora and
offering unique geological, the in total seven species of the night. And hatchlings degradation of feeding fauna. Motorized vehicles
cultural and historical sea turtle lay their eggs on usually wait for the cue and nesting habitats are forbidden to drive
sites. These can all be Aruba’s beaches? In the of cooling surface sand (Wetlands). (Source: arikok on the sand dunes in the
enjoyed and explored national park, a Least Tern before emerging. national park) Northern part of the island
(Sternula antillarum) keeps Bubali Magic The aforementioned is just a and all beaches in Aruba
a strict eye on a very special This beautiful close-up part of what Aruba’s nature are forbidden for any
event taking place below image of the pink bird has to offer. We cannot motorized vehicle. Treasure
on the beach: a majestic is courtesy of Michiel stress enough to go, see for our island to enjoy it like
Leatherback (Dermochelys Oversteegen of the Aruba yourself. The island has the you do: as a tropical and
coriacea) heads back to Birdlife Conservation. This most beautiful beaches natural paradise. We truly
sea after laying her eggs, important foundation but it is also worthwhile to appreciate it!
while another nest laid 2 showcases and builds go beyond this and get an

Aruba Tourism Authority honored loyal visitors at Costa Linda

Beach Resort

The Aruba Tourism Author- Goodwill Ambassador home away from home.
ity recently had the great (20>years consecutively
pleasure of recognizing- visiting Aruba) The top reasons for return-
Goodwill Ambassadors of Emerald Ambassador ing to Arubaprovided by
Aruba. Thehonoreeswere (35>years consecutively the honorees were:
respectively honored with visiting Aruba) • Aruba’s beautiful
a certificate for theiryears beaches
of visits, loyalty, and love The honorees were: • Aruba’s amazing
for the island of Aruba. sunsets
Distinguished Visitors • “Swimming in the
The honorary certification Mr. Dave & Mrs. Adri- Sea”
is presented on behalf of enne Mc Gillfrom Sun • “The friendly Aru-
the Minister of Tourism as City,Arizona, United States. ban people & wonderful
a token of appreciation staff at our resort”
and to say “Masha Danki” Mrs. Marouska • “Seeing old friends”
to guests who have visited Heyliger,representing the • “Shopping at Kays
Aruba 10, 20, or 35 years or Aruba Tourism Author-
more consecutively. ity, and staff members of On behalf of the Aruba
Costa Linda Beach Resort- Tourism Authority, we
The threelevels of honor are bestowed the certificate would like to express our
as follows: upon the honorees, pre- sincere gratitude and ap-
sented them with gifts, and preciation to the honorees
Distinguished Visitor thanked them for choosing for their continued visits to
(10>years consecutively Aruba as their favorite va- the “One Happy Island”.
visiting Aruba) cation destination, as their