AGP Executive Report

Conservation & Nature Education: Aruba Conservation Foundation (ACF) opened a new Conservation Management Office in Arikok National Park, with Prime Minister Mike Eman stressing that protecting nature is a shared responsibility across government, institutions and the whole community. Marine Restoration: Aruba also opened Coral Academy on De Palm Island, a coral restoration and reef education center aimed at helping people learn about corals—even if they don’t get in the water—plus future school visits. Tourism Rules for Wildlife: Tour Operators Uni and the government are moving toward tighter nature protections for UTV/ATV tourism, with a Nature Protocol calling for clearly marked routes, GPS monitoring, speed limits, penalties, and planting 250 native trees over three years. Waste & Health Pressure: Aruba Wastewater Sustainable Solutions temporarily closed RWZI Parkietenbos to septic trucks after fuel was discharged into the receiving pit, while Aruba’s medical waste backlog remains a major concern as modernization plans continue. Energy Transition: WEB Aruba launched BESS II, a 35 MW / 70 MWh battery storage project to store renewable power and strengthen grid reliability, expected to be completed in 2028. Community Action: The third National Cleanup Day brought volunteers and Scouts together across Aruba, with Prime Minister Eman joining efforts to cut plastic and foam pollution.

Conservation & Nature Protection: Aruba Conservation Foundation (ACF) officially opened a new Conservation Management Office inside Arikok National Park, with Prime Minister Mike Eman stressing shared responsibility across government, institutions and the public to keep Aruba’s natural heritage strong. Marine Restoration: Aruba also opened Coral Academy on De Palm Island, a coral restoration and reef education center for children and adults, aiming to bring more school visits and hands-on learning to the island’s marine future. Tourism Rules for Sensitive Areas: Tour Operators Uni submitted a Nature Protocol to tighten UTV/ATV access along Aruba’s northern coast, proposing clearly marked routes, GPS monitoring, speed limits, guide training, penalties, and native tree planting—plus closing secondary paths that lead into vulnerable terrain. Waste & Health Services: Aruba’s wastewater system temporarily stopped receiving septic trucks after fuel was discharged into the Parkietenbos receiving pit, while Aruba also faces a medical waste backlog of about 400,000 kg as modernization plans continue. Climate Adaptation & Community Health: A Heat Management Policy for care homes was introduced to protect elderly residents during intense heat, including free weather stations for monitoring temperature and humidity. Local Environment Action: The third National Cleanup Day brought volunteers and Scouts together across Aruba, with Prime Minister Eman joining efforts to tackle common roadside plastics and foam.

Tourism & Nature Rules: Tour Operators Uni submitted a stricter Nature Protocol for UTV/ATV tours, calling for clearly marked routes, closing secondary paths into sensitive areas, GPS monitoring, speed limits, guide training, penalties, and planting 250 native trees over three years. Wastewater Safety: RWZI Parkietenbos temporarily stopped receiving septic trucks after a septic company discharged fuel into the receiving pit; cleanup is expected to take a few hours, with later evening service to reduce disruption. Health & Environment: Aruba’s medical waste backlog is stressing capacity, with about 400,000 kg stored while modernization plans and a mobile processing unit move forward. Marine Restoration: Aruba opened Coral Academy on De Palm Island, aiming to restore coral and teach reef knowledge to kids and adults, with school visits planned. Climate Adaptation: Santa Rosa urged farmers and fishermen to prepare for extreme heat and prolonged drought, including smarter irrigation timing and water-saving steps. Energy Transition: WEB Aruba launched the 35 MW / 70 MWh BESS II battery storage project to store renewable power and boost grid reliability. Community Action: National Cleanup Day returned with volunteers and Scouts tackling plastic and foam waste across Aruba.

Tourism & Nature Rules: Tour Operators Uni and the government are moving toward tighter, practical controls for UTV/ATV access on Aruba’s northern coast, with a new nature protocol calling for clearly marked routes, closing secondary paths into vulnerable areas, GPS monitoring, speed limits, guide training, penalties, and planting 250 native trees over three years. Wastewater Safety: RWZI Parkietenbos temporarily stopped receiving septic trucks after a septic company discharged fuel into the plant’s receiving pit; cleanup is expected to take 2–3 hours, with later evening discharge to reduce disruption. Health & Environment: Aruba’s medical waste backlog is reported at about 400,000 kg (around 55 containers), as the island prepares system modernization and adds a mobile unit to keep processing safer and more flexible. Marine Protection: Directie Natuur & Milieu, ACF and Blue Marine Foundation updated progress on Aruba’s 30×30 marine protection process ahead of the next stakeholder consultation round in October. Coral Restoration: Aruba opened Coral Academy on De Palm Island, a coral restoration and education center aimed at getting more people—especially those who don’t go into the water—learning about reef life. Climate Adaptation: A Heat Management Policy for care homes was introduced to protect elderly residents during intense heat, including free weather stations for monitoring. Community Action: National Cleanup Day returned with volunteers and Scouts tackling plastic and foam waste across Aruba.

Energy Transition: WEB Aruba launched the 35 MW / 70 MWh BESS II battery storage project, aiming to store wind and solar power and boost grid reliability, with completion expected in 2028. Marine Protection: Aruba opened Coral Academy on De Palm Island, a coral restoration and education center meant to bring reef learning to people who don’t go into the water. Health & Climate Resilience: Aruba introduced a Heat Management Policy for care homes, with weather stations to help protect elderly residents during intense heat. Waste & Public Health: Medical waste stockpiles have reached about 400,000 kg, as Aruba prepares system modernization to process it safely. Tourism Planning: The Aruba Strategic Tourism Master Plan 2026–2031 is moving toward finalization after national dialogue sessions with tourism stakeholders. Environment & Community: National Cleanup Day returned for its third edition, with volunteers and Scouts tackling plastic and foam waste across Aruba. Marine Ecosystem Pressure: A Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance report warns that climate change, pollution, invasive species and development are stressing reefs, mangroves, seagrass and dry forests. Coastal Hygiene Concern: Residents are calling for a public restroom at Alto Vista Chapel after visitors leave human waste behind. Biodiversity & Land Use: Tour Operators Uni and DNM discussed fragile nesting areas at Tera Cora, including a burrowing owl nest near active routes.

Heat & Elder Care: Aruba rolled out a Heat Management Policy for care homes on International Day of Older Persons, aiming to protect elderly residents during intense heat with support from meteorology and climate partners, including free weather stations for monitoring temperature and humidity. Public Health & Environment: Concern is growing over the lack of a public restroom at Alto Vista Chapel after visitors reportedly leave human waste and toilet paper behind, creating hygiene and contamination risks. Energy Transition: WEB Aruba launched the 35 MW / 70 MWh BESS II battery storage project to store renewable power and strengthen grid reliability, with completion expected in 2028. Waste System Pressure: Medical waste stockpiles have reached about 400,000 kilograms as Aruba prepares to modernize its system, including investments and a mobile unit to improve processing flexibility. Marine Protection: Aruba opened Coral Academy on De Palm Island to boost coral restoration and reef education, while Directie Natuur & Milieu, ACF and Blue Marine Foundation update the 30×30 marine protection process ahead of October consultations. Tourism Planning: Aruba’s Tourism Master Plan 2026–2031 is moving toward finalization after national dialogue sessions with tourism stakeholders. Coastline Access: Local fishermen renewed calls for guaranteed 24-hour access to Aruba’s coastline to protect livelihoods and cultural heritage.

Climate & Nature Under Pressure: A new Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance report warns that coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds and dry forests across the six islands are being hit by climate change, pollution, invasive species and coastal development—while better-managed protected areas show what works. Aruba Coral Action: Aruba opened Coral Academy on De Palm Island, a coral restoration and education center meant to help people learn about reefs even if they don’t get in the water. Marine Protection Planning (30×30): Directie Natuur & Milieu, ACF and Blue Marine Foundation briefed the Ministry on progress toward the next round of stakeholder talks for Aruba’s marine 30×30 planning. Heat & Drought Advice: Santa Rosa urged farmers and fishermen to prepare for extreme heat and prolonged drought with water-saving irrigation, mulching and shade cloth. Community Cleanup: The third National Cleanup Day brought volunteers and Scouts together to tackle plastic and foam waste and protect beaches and wildlife. Energy Transition: WEB Aruba launched its 35 MW / 70 MWh BESS II battery storage project, aiming to boost renewable use and grid reliability, with completion expected in 2028. Local Conservation vs. Tourism Pressure: Fishermen renewed calls for guaranteed 24-hour coastline access, while Tour Operators Uni says it is seeking clearer documentation after a Tera Cora field visit tied to fragile nesting areas. Data for Better Climate Decisions: Digitisation of Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten meteorological archives is now complete, helping improve long-term weather trend understanding for climate projections.

Coral & Coastal Conservation: Aruba has opened Coral Academy on De Palm Island, a new coral restoration and education center meant to help people learn about reefs—even if they don’t get in the water—backed by De Palm Tours and the TUI Care Foundation. Marine Protection Planning: Directie Natuur & Milieu, ACF and Blue Marine Foundation shared progress on Aruba’s 30×30 marine protection process, with the next stakeholder dialogue and consultation set for October. Community Cleanliness: The third National Cleanup Day brought volunteers, Scouts and organizations together across Aruba, with organizers pointing to common waste like plastic and foam and urging ongoing monthly cleanups. Heat & Drought Preparedness: Santa Rosa is urging farmers, livestock owners and fishermen to act now as temperatures top 34°C and rainfall stays scarce, including water-saving irrigation timing and soil mulching. Wildlife & Land-Use Tensions: Tour Operators Uni visited Tera Cora with DNM to assess burrowing owl nesting areas, saying a confirmed nest sits close to roads used by UTVs/ATVs and asking for updated nest maps and documentation. Tourism Pressure & Carrying Capacity: Aruba’s tourism intensity and capacity strain are again in focus, alongside a new AF&BA survey to measure staffing needs and tourism carrying capacity in the food & beverage sector. Governance & Enforcement: United Merchants Aruba criticized widespread lack of enforcement across sectors, arguing legal businesses are being punished while informal operators face little consequence. Climate Data Access: Digitisation and data rescue of Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten meteorological archives is complete, aiming to improve long-term weather trend understanding for better climate projections.

Coral & Marine Recovery: Aruba opened Coral Academy on De Palm Island, a new coral restoration and reef education center aimed at getting more people—especially those who don’t go into the water—closer to the island’s marine life. 30×30 Marine Protection: Directie Natuur & Milieu, ACF and Blue Marine Foundation shared progress on Aruba’s 30×30 process and will re-engage stakeholders in October to review scenarios for protecting more than 30% of marine areas. Community Cleanup: The third National Cleanup Day brought volunteers, Scouts and organizations together across Aruba, with plastic and foam flagged as common roadside and beach waste. Heat & Drought Response: Santa Rosa urged farmers, livestock owners and fishermen to prepare for extreme heat and prolonged drought, including smarter irrigation timing and water-saving steps. Wildlife & Tourism Pressure: Tour Operators Uni and DNM met on-site at Tera Cora to assess burrowing owl nesting areas near ATV/UTV routes, with operators asking for updated nest documentation. Energy Transition: WEB started work on BESS II, a 35 MW / 70 MWh battery storage project expected to be completed in 2028 to stabilize the grid and boost renewable use. Governance & Enforcement: United Merchants Aruba criticized widespread lack of enforcement across sectors, arguing legal businesses are punished while informal operators face little action. Local Economy & Capacity: Aruba Food & Beverage Association launched a 2026 labor force and tourism carrying capacity survey to map staffing shortages and training needs. Health & Resilience: Sint Maarten’s VSA Minister Claret Connor signed a six-year PAHO/WHO strategy focused on surveillance, health equity, emergency preparedness and tackling antimicrobial resistance.

Coral & Marine Protection: Aruba opened Coral Academy on De Palm Island, a new coral restoration and education center meant to help people learn about reefs even if they don’t go into the water, with school visits planned and support from De Palm Tours and the TUI Care Foundation. Marine Conservation Planning: Directie Natuur & Milieu, ACF and Blue Marine Foundation shared progress on Aruba’s 30×30 marine protection process ahead of the next stakeholder dialogue in October. Climate Data for Better Forecasts: The IPDC says digitisation and data rescue of Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten’s historical meteorological archives is complete, turning old records into usable digital formats to improve long-term weather and climate projections. Heat & Drought Response: Santa Rosa urged farmers and fishermen to prepare for extreme heat and prolonged drought, including smarter irrigation timing, mulching, and rainwater collection. Renewables & Grid Stability: WEB started work on BESS II, a 35 MW / 70 MWh battery storage project expected to be finished in 2028 to store more wind/solar power and stabilize the grid. Community Cleanup: The third National Cleanup Day brought volunteers, Scouts and the Prime Minister together to tackle plastic and foam waste and protect beaches and wildlife. Biodiversity on the Ground: Tour Operators Uni visited Tera Cora with DNM to assess a burrowing owl nest and asked for updated nest maps and documentation. Private Sector Skills: IDEA launched free “Young Entrepreneurship” workshops for ages 18–35, plus a separate Phase 3 masterclass on managing finances and employee insurance. Governance & Enforcement Pressure: United Merchants Aruba criticized widespread lack of enforcement across sectors, arguing legal businesses are being punished while informal operators face little consequence. Tourism & Environment Safety Debate: A commentary piece tied Aruba’s UTV/ATV controversy to public safety and fragile ecosystems, calling for clearer limits and responsibility.

Coral Reef Recovery: Aruba opened Coral Academy on De Palm Island, a new coral restoration and education center aimed at helping people learn about reefs—even if they don’t go into the water—backed by De Palm Tours and the TUI Care Foundation. Marine Protection Planning: Directie Natuur & Milieu, Aruba Conservation Foundation and Blue Marine Foundation shared progress on Aruba’s 30×30 marine protection process ahead of the next October stakeholder dialogue. Extreme Heat & Drought: Santa Rosa urged farmers, livestock owners and fishermen to save water and adjust irrigation, shading and soil care as temperatures top 34°C and dams run low. Coastline Access for Fishers: Local fishermen pressed for guaranteed 24-hour access to Aruba’s coastline, citing livelihoods, food security and traditional activity protections. Energy Transition: WEB started work on BESS II, a 35 MW / 70 MWh battery project due in 2028 to store more wind and solar power and stabilize the grid. Community Cleanup: The third National Cleanup Day brought volunteers and Scouts together to tackle plastic and foam waste and protect beaches and wildlife. Tourism & Nature Tensions: Tour Operators Uni visited Tera Cora with DNM to assess burrowing owl nesting areas, seeking updated nest maps and documentation to guide routes. Local Business Support: IDEA launched Phase 3 of its entrepreneurship masterclass with a Sept. 29 workshop on finances and employee insurance, plus free young entrepreneurship workshops starting Sept. 30.

Coral & Reef Education: Aruba has opened Coral Academy on De Palm Island, a new coral restoration and learning center meant to bring reef knowledge to people who don’t always get in the water, with school visits planned and support from De Palm Tours and the TUI Care Foundation. Marine Protection Planning: Directie Natuur & Milieu, Aruba Conservation Foundation and Blue Marine Foundation shared progress on the 30×30 marine protection process ahead of the next October stakeholder consultation round. Heat & Drought Advice: Santa Rosa is urging farmers, livestock owners and fishermen to prepare for extreme heat and prolonged drought, including smarter irrigation timing and moisture-saving mulching. Energy Transition: WEB has started work on BESS II, a 35 MW / 70 MWh battery storage project expected to be completed in 2028 to boost grid stability and help reach Aruba’s 2030 renewable target. Community Cleanup Momentum: National Cleanup Day returned for its third edition, with volunteers and Scouts tackling plastic and foam waste and Prime Minister Mike Eman backing the monthly effort. Wildlife & Land-Use Tensions: Tour Operators Uni visited Tera Cora with DNM and Infrastructure Minister René Herdé to assess a burrowing owl nest near roads and a golf course, asking for updated nest documentation. Business & Skills for Sustainability: IDEA’s Phase 3 entrepreneurship masterclass kicks off with workshops on managing finances and employee insurance, while young entrepreneurship sessions run from Sept. 30.

Coral & Community: Aruba opened Coral Academy on De Palm Island, a new coral restoration and education hub for kids and adults, backed by De Palm Tours and the TUI Care Foundation, aiming to bring more people into reef learning even if they don’t get in the water. Clean Aruba Push: The third National Cleanup Day brought Scouts and volunteers to multiple locations, with Prime Minister Mike Eman joining efforts to tackle common roadside plastics and foam and keep beaches and wildlife protected. Marine Protection Planning (30×30): Directie Natuur & Milieu, the Aruba Conservation Foundation and Blue Marine Foundation updated the Ministry on progress toward the 30×30 marine protection target, ahead of October stakeholder talks. Climate Data Access: The IPDC says historical meteorological archives for Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten have been digitised and rescued, helping improve long-term weather and climate projections. Heat & Drought Advice: Santa Rosa urged farmers and fishermen to cut water loss and adjust irrigation schedules as temperatures top 34°C and dams run low. Energy Transition: WEB started BESS II, a 35 MW / 70 MWh battery project expected to be completed in 2028 to store more wind and solar power and stabilise the grid. Coastline Access for Fishers: Local fishermen met Minister René Herdé to demand guaranteed 24/7 access to the northern coastline to protect livelihoods and cultural heritage. Tourism & Nature Tensions: Tour Operators Uni visited Tera Cora with officials after DNM mapped burrowing owl nesting areas, while also pushing for shared documentation and alternative route discussions. Business Skills for Sustainability: IDEA launched Phase 3 masterclasses for entrepreneurs, starting Sept. 29, with a focus on managing finances and employee insurance.

Marine Protection (30×30): DNM, Aruba Conservation Foundation and Blue Marine Foundation briefed the Ministry on progress toward the 30×30 marine protection target, including mapping and scenario work across territorial waters and the EEZ, ahead of a new October stakeholder dialogue. Climate Diplomacy: Minister Arthur Dowers met climate envoy Jan Versteeg in New York during the UN High-Level Week, stressing that small islands like Aruba need their realities reflected in global climate talks. Heat & Drought Support: Santa Rosa urged farmers, livestock owners and fishermen to prepare for extreme heat and prolonged drought, offering practical water-saving steps like early/late irrigation and mulching. Protected-Area Access Talks: Tour Operators Uni met with Aruba’s infrastructure leadership and DNM on Tera Cora, confirming a burrowing owl nest near active routes and asking for updated nest documentation; the group also submitted a proposal for alternative routes in ongoing protected-area discussions. Energy Transition: WEB launched BESS II, a 35 MW / 70 MWh battery storage project expected to be completed in 2028 to boost renewables and stabilize the grid. Coastline for Fishers: Local fishermen pressed for guaranteed 24/7 access to Aruba’s coastline, citing cultural heritage and food security. Community Cleanups: Piedra Plat Family Center is gearing up for the next National Cleanup Campaign, calling on residents to join neighborhood trash collection. Entrepreneur Skills: DEZHI’s IDEA unit announced free young entrepreneurship workshops starting Sept. 30, plus Phase 3 business masterclasses focused on finances and employee insurance.

Marine Protection (30×30): Directie Natuur & Milieu, Aruba Conservation Foundation and Blue Marine Foundation briefed the Ministry on progress toward Aruba’s 30×30 marine protection target, including mapping and scenario work and plans for the next October stakeholder consultation. Climate Diplomacy: Minister Arthur Dowers met climate officials in New York during the UN High-Level Week, stressing that small islands like Aruba face real, urgent climate impacts that must be reflected in international talks. Heat & Drought Support: Santa Rosa urged farmers, livestock owners and fishermen to prepare for extreme heat and prolonged drought, offering practical steps to save water and protect crops. Energy Transition: WEB officially launched BESS II, a 35 MW / 70 MWh battery project expected to be completed in 2028 to store more wind and solar power and stabilize the grid. Tourism & Nature Access: Tour Operators Uni met DNM and Infrastructure Minister René Herdé at Tera Cora after a nest was identified near sensitive areas, while also pushing for access and alternative routes in protected-area talks. Coastline Access for Fishers: Local fishermen asked for guaranteed 24-hour access to Aruba’s coastline, citing livelihoods, food security and cultural heritage. Entrepreneur Skills: DEZHI’s IDEA unit announced free young entrepreneurship workshops starting Sept. 30, plus a Phase 3 masterclass on managing finances and employee insurance. Community Cleanups: Piedra Plat Family Center is preparing for the national cleanup campaign this Saturday.

Marine Protection (30×30): Directie Natuur & Milieu, Aruba Conservation Foundation and Blue Marine Foundation briefed the Ministry on progress toward Aruba’s 30×30 marine protection target, including mapping and scenario work across territorial waters and the exclusive economic zone, ahead of an October stakeholder consultation. Climate Diplomacy (UN): Minister Arthur Dowers met climate envoy Jan Versteeg in New York during the UN High-Level Week, stressing that small-island realities like Aruba’s must be built into international climate action. Heat & Drought Guidance: Santa Rosa urged farmers, livestock owners and fishermen to prepare for extreme heat and prolonged drought, including smarter irrigation timing, mulching to retain moisture, and using shade cloth to protect crops. Tourism Access & Nature Tensions: Tour Operators Uni visited Tera Cora with Minister René Herdé and DNM to assess a burrowing owl nest and is now awaiting the latest DNM documentation and nest map; separately, the group submitted a proposal for alternative routes in talks tied to protected-area access. Energy Transition (Storage): WEB officially started BESS II, a 35 MW / 70 MWh battery storage project aimed at boosting renewable integration and grid stability, targeting completion in 2028. Coastline Rights: Local fishermen met Minister Herdé to demand guaranteed 24-hour access to Aruba’s coastline, citing cultural heritage, food security and protections for traditional activities. Entrepreneurship & Skills: DEZHI’s IDEA unit launched Phase 3 of its Masterclass Entrepreneurship with free workshops starting Sept. 29 (finances and employee insurance) and a young-entrepreneur series running Sept. 30, Oct. 28 and Nov. 4. Community Cleanup: Piedra Plat Family Center is preparing for the national cleanup campaign this Saturday, calling on residents to join neighborhood cleanups.