Aruba’s 30×30 marine consultation is moving into another round of stakeholder engagement after environmental partners briefed the government on technical work completed since the process began earlier this year.
The Directorate of Nature and Environment, Aruba Conservation Foundation and Blue Marine Foundation have compiled information, prepared maps and developed possible scenarios for territorial waters, offshore areas and the exclusive economic zone.
October dialogue will test protection scenarios
The partners plan to return to stakeholders in October to present their findings and gather feedback. DNM director Gisbert Boekhoudt said the initiative began in February and remains a participatory research and consultation process.
No final law or protected area has been established. The consultation is intended to build an evidence base before legislation is developed, and a later legal designation would require additional discussion about management.
Marine protection is linked to nature and the economy
Aruba Conservation Foundation conservation chief Natasha Silva said healthy marine ecosystems support wildlife and economic activity. Blue Marine Foundation is contributing international technical experience in ocean science and protection.
The Aruba 30×30 marine consultation is tied to the international objective of conserving more than 30 percent of marine environments by 2030. Details were reported by 24ora.
