ORANJESTAD: As Aruba observes World Environment Day on June 5 and approaches World Oceans Day on June 8, Gisbert Boekhoudt, Director of Directie Natuur en Milieu (DNM), highlighted the importance of integrating nature protection into the island’s development and daily life. Boekhoudt discussed the “Man and the Biosphere” (MAB) initiative, a UNESCO program focused on balancing conservation with economic and human activity.
Boekhoudt noted that Aruba approved the National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan (NBSAP) in 2024 to support the vision of a Biosphere Reserve. He emphasized that nature must be part of decision-making processes. “We are working to incorporate nature into the decisions we make as a community and in the way people use and develop Aruba,” Boekhoudt stated. He explained that this vision encompasses the entire island, connecting protected areas with daily life, tourism, the economy, and community.
DNM is currently reviewing environmental legislation and preparing management plans with input from stakeholders. The department utilizes natural science, remote sensing, and historical data to assess habitats.
