Aruba Government seeks public input on offshore marine protection

ORANJESTAD — The Government of Aruba, through the Department of Nature and Environment (DNM), together with the Aruba Conservation Foundation (ACF) and Blue Marine Foundation (BMF), is launching another round of public consultations on protecting offshore marine areas.

Four proposed protection scenarios will be presented as part of the global 30x30 initiative, which aims to conserve at least 30% of land and marine areas by 2030.

Organizers emphasize that no final decisions have been made and that input from residents, fishermen and other ocean users is essential.

Public meetings are scheduled for October 28 at Teresita Center in San Nicolas, October 29 at MFA Noord and November 11 at MFA Paradera, all from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m.

An online consultation survey will remain available until November 27. Protection of nearshore areas will be addressed separately.