Government asks to postpone UTV/ATV case; ABC objects

ORANJESTAD — The summary proceedings brought by Aruba Birdlife Conservation (ABC) against the Government of Aruba and FPNA over nature protection and the use of UTVs and ATVs in natural areas may not go ahead on Thursday as scheduled. The Government has asked the Court to postpone the hearing, while ABC has indicated that it objects to the request. FPNA, for its part, has no objection to an adjournment.

The information comes from a letter dated September 8, 2026, from attorney Darin Crouch to Minister Rene Herdé. According to the letter, the case was originally scheduled for May 28 and was later moved to Thursday, September 10 at 10:00 a.m. The Government has now requested another postponement, and the Court has given ABC and FPNA the opportunity to respond.

The request comes at a time when the Government is trying to find a solution to the conflict between nature protection and the continuity of the UTV and ATV sector. In recent days, Minister Herdé has held meetings with tour operators, while the Government has indicated that it intends to form a broadly representative committee to continue working toward a concrete solution.

Tensions increased after tour operators protested and blocked the Las Americas roundabout, voicing concerns about route closures, the continuity of their businesses and jobs. The Government has previously said it does not intend to eliminate UTV and ATV activities, but that a solution must be found that respects both the law and environmental protection.

The case filed by ABC centers on the argument that traffic from UTVs, ATVs and other motorized vehicles causes damage to vulnerable natural areas and that enforcement in those areas is insufficient. The Government has meanwhile been working with DOW and DIP on an alternative route, seeking to combine economic continuity with environmental protection.

The request to postpone the case creates another moment of uncertainty. At the time the letter was sent, the Court had not yet announced its decision on the request. ABC has objected and FPNA has no objection, but ultimately the judge must decide whether the case proceeds on Thursday or is postponed again.

For the UTV/ATV sector, the decision is important because the legal proceedings may influence how much room remains for tours in natural areas and under what conditions. For the Government, the challenge is to reach a solution that protects nature, provides clarity to businesses and workers, and prevents the conflict from being determined only in court.