In a significant step for environmental preservation in Aruba, JOIA Aruba by Iberostar has launched Shoco Boulevard, a wildlife corridor dedicated to the conservation of the island’s national bird, the Shoco (Athene cunicularia arubensis). This initiative, developed in collaboration with Aruba Birdlife Conservation (ABC), aligns with Aruba’s National Shoco Conservation Plan and reflects JOIA Aruba’s commitment to protecting local ecosystems as part of Iberostar’s Wave of Change movement.
A Safe Haven for the Shoco Owl
Shoco Boulevard serves as more than just a protected wildlife area—it’s a sanctuary for the Shoco owl, a species unique to Aruba. This low-lying corridor is filled with artificial burrows, nestled within native Aruban flora such as Wayaka, Kibrahacha, Kawara, Aloe, and Bushi trees. These burrows offer ideal nesting sites for the Shoco, allowing the species to thrive while moving freely in its natural habitat.
The corridor is designed to allow both locals and visitors to observe Aruba’s burrowing owls in a respectful manner, all while raising awareness about the island’s rich biodiversity.
Shoco Owl Facts:
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Endemic to Aruba: The Shoco owl is only found on Aruba and is considered a subspecies of the burrowing owl.
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Conservation Priority: Due to its limited range, the Shoco is a key focus for national conservation efforts.
Collaboration for Conservation
The establishment of Shoco Boulevard follows the Shoco Community Conservation Agreement signed between Iberostar and Aruba Birdlife Conservation (ABC). This collaboration builds upon earlier efforts, such as the Shoco Sanctuary at Tierra del Sol (established in 2019), which currently shelters 20% of Aruba’s known Shoco population across 32 artificial burrows.
This initiative is part of ABC’s larger conservation strategy to create interconnected wildlife corridors across Aruba, ensuring the long-term survival of the island’s native species.
Aula di Lama: Education Meets Sustainability
Alongside the Shoco Boulevard project, JOIA Aruba has unveiled the Aula di Lama, a new educational classroom focused on biodiversity awareness and sustainability. Local schools and NGOs now have access to this classroom, offering younger generations the opportunity to engage with environmental conservation efforts and become active participants in shaping Aruba’s sustainable future.
Inspiring Island-Wide Conservation
The launch of Shoco Boulevard signals a call to action for other tourism stakeholders across Aruba. JOIA Aruba encourages resorts, developers, and community leaders to establish their own biodiversity corridors, creating a network of protected areas throughout the island.
Through initiatives like Shoco Boulevard, Aruba continues to position itself as a global leader in eco-tourism, sustainability, and responsible hospitality, ensuring the protection of its unique wildlife for future generations.
For more information on Aruba’s ongoing environmental projects, visit our Wildlife & Sustainability page.
Photo credits : https://arubaonline.news/joia-aruba-shoco-boulevard-conservation-launch/
