The rock barriers restricting vehicle access on part of Aruba’s north coast were placed by the government, according to Aruba Birdlife Conservation chairman Greg Peterson.
Peterson told Amigoe Aruba that his organization, commonly known as ABC, does not have the legal authority to physically close a public route. His statement addresses one question in the dispute involving conservation groups, the government and UTV, ATV and Jeep tour operators.
Authority behind closure remains unclear
The disputed route between California Lighthouse and Alto Vista has been restricted since June. Tour Operators Uni has said the closure occurred without advance notice and has pointed to involvement by Aruba’s Department of Public Works, or DOW.
Peterson said the government placed the rocks, but the available public information does not identify which agency or official issued the formal instruction, under what authority or through which decision-making process.
Justice Minister Arthur Dowers previously said that a specific official route for off-road traffic had not yet been designated and that permitted routes would need to be formally identified and marked. DOW and the Department of Infrastructure and Planning, known as DIP, are working on an alternative route.
ABC supports limits to protect nature
Although ABC says it did not place the barriers, Peterson supports restricting motorized traffic in vulnerable areas to protect vegetation, wildlife habitat and damaged ecosystems.
He also said fishermen and local residents are not the intended targets of the organization’s actions. Where legitimate access is affected, he believes workable solutions should be found, while maintaining that nature protection may require changes to where vehicles can travel.
Tour operators argue that the restrictions affect businesses, employees and historically used routes. Their protest at the Las Americas roundabout on September 4 brought the dispute into sharper public view.
Court hearing scheduled
A case brought by Aruba Birdlife Conservation against the Country of Aruba and the Aruba Conservation Foundation is scheduled for September 10, according to the source. The government has said it does not intend to eliminate the UTV and ATV sector and has opened talks with operators.
The next legal and government decisions may clarify both the status of the closed route and how Aruba will balance coastal conservation with regulated public and commercial access.
Source: Information based on an interview and reporting by Amigoe Aruba.
