ORANJESTAD – JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, through Aula di Lama (Iberostar Foundation), successfully hosted the Shoco Ambassador Training from October 27 to 31, 2025, reinforcing Aruba’s commitment to biodiversity protection through education and community engagement.
Organized in collaboration with Aruba Birdlife Conservation, the free and public training focused on Aruba’s national bird, the Shoco owl (Athene cunicularia arubensis). The initiative empowered residents, employees, and partner organizations to actively support conservation while promoting harmony between people and nature.
Celebrating Aruba’s National Bird
The Shoco owl represents Aruba’s natural heritage and ecological balance. However, habitat loss and increased human activity continue to threaten its survival. During the training, participants learned about the owl’s behavior, nesting habits, and conservation needs, emphasizing how everyday actions can contribute to long-term biodiversity protection.
Learning Through Awareness and Action
Participants explored practical steps to protect the Shoco, including respecting nesting zones, encouraging wildlife-friendly development, and supporting conservation projects across the island. By combining education with responsibility, the program inspired attendees to become active guardians of Aruba’s ecosystem.
Conservation Projects Highlighted
The training showcased key conservation initiatives supported by Iberostar, including:
- Shoco Sanctuary at Tierra del Sol Resort & Golf by Iberostar
- Shoco Boulevard at JOIA Aruba by Iberostar
These projects demonstrate how tourism development can coexist with environmental protection and serve as examples of responsible tourism in practice.
Strong Community Participation
The response to the Shoco Ambassador Training exceeded expectations, with nearly 800 participants attending the sessions. More than 360 employees from JOIA Aruba and Tierra del Sol Golf Course took part, along with representatives from Boardwalk Boutique Hotel, Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, the University of Aruba, and local media.
This broad participation reflects Iberostar’s success in embedding sustainability into both daily operations and corporate culture.
Expanding Conservation Education
Iberostar plans to expand the program beyond resorts, bringing the Shoco Ambassador Training to the Aruba Airport Authority and local schools. This next phase aims to reach students, travelers, and frontline professionals, ensuring conservation education impacts future generations.
Supporting Conservation Through Action
At the conclusion of each session, participants could purchase handcrafted recycled Shoco pins, with proceeds benefiting Aruba Birdlife Conservation. These symbolic items reinforced each participant’s role as a Shoco Ambassador and supported ongoing conservation efforts.
A Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
The initiative forms part of Iberostar’s global Wave of Change program, which focuses on circular economy practices, marine protection, responsible sourcing, and reducing single-use plastics. Through education and partnerships, Iberostar continues to align local action in Aruba with global sustainability goals.
Protecting Aruba’s Biodiversity Together
By empowering the community through education and collaboration, JOIA Aruba by Iberostar continues to play a vital role in protecting Aruba’s biodiversity. The Shoco Ambassador Training strengthened environmental awareness, community involvement, and sustainable destination development—benefiting both residents and visitors alike.
Photo Credit : https://arubaonline.news/iberostar-shoco-ambassador-training-aruba/
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