Minister Herdé: Balance Development and Nature

ORANJESTAD (AAN): On Wednesday morning, in a symbolic gesture marking International Mother Earth Day, the Government of Aruba signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba, operating as the Aruba Conservation Foundation (AFC). The agreement aims to strengthen the sustainable management of natural and marine areas on the island.

The MoU marks an important step in the collaboration between the government and AFC, which already plays a key role in the supervision and management of various natural areas, including Spaans Lagoen and several marine nature reserves.

Minister of Infrastructure drs. René Herdé acknowledged that Aruba, like many nations, faces growing demand for physical development, including housing and infrastructure improvement. However, he stressed that progress must go hand in hand with environmental stewardship.

“Without a healthy environment, the infrastructure we build will not be sustainable in the long term,” Minister Herdé remarked.

Aruba Nature Conservation Commitment

The government is focusing on investing in conservation, education, and research to restore and maintain a balanced ecosystem. This commitment aligns with past initiatives, such as Prime Minister Mike Eman’s project to plant 100,000 trees, and supports Minister of Tourism Wendrick Cicilia’s initiative to introduce a day of rest for the sea.

Minister Herdé emphasized that nature protection is not merely an environmental obligation but a fundamental necessity for the economic and social well-being of Aruba. The Government of Aruba reaffirms its commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection on our island.