Aruba Birdlife Conservation supports tourism plan but raises concerns over lack of consultation

ORANJESTAD — Aruba Birdlife Conservation (ABC) supports the initiative to develop the Aruba Strategic Tourism Master Plan 2026–2031 but says the organisation was neither invited nor consulted during the strategic dialogue sessions. ABC president Greg Peterson raised the concern in a response to the tourism plan recently published by Noticiacla.

Peterson congratulated the Aruban government and Minister Wendrick Cicilia on the initiative. He said renewed tourism policy is important for Aruba’s economic future, quality of life and the protection and recovery of its natural environment.

However, he described ABC’s absence from the process as regrettable, particularly because the publication refers to the participation of environmental leaders.

“ABC was neither consulted nor asked to contribute, despite its many years of experience in nature conservation, habitat protection, environmental education and the relationship between tourism and Aruba’s natural environment,” Peterson said.

The ABC president called for consultation with his organisation and other independent conservation organisations before the plan is finalised.

“Genuine consultation must take place while the plans can still be influenced, not only after the main decisions have already been made,” he emphasised.

Peterson warned that if ABC finds that proposed policies, projects or decisions harm Aruba’s nature, protected species or vulnerable habitats, the organisation may feel compelled to take appropriate action to seek corrections.

“This should not be interpreted as opposition to progress,” he said, stressing that ABC supports progress that respects the law and protects Aruba’s natural heritage.

According to Peterson, the condition for genuinely sustainable and regenerative tourism policy is clear: “Nature must be represented at the table from the very beginning.”