DNM Congratulates Monumentenzorg Aruba on Its 30th Anniversary and Highlights Uncle Louis Store as a Model of Sustainable Heritage Preservation
ORANJESTAD – Recently, the organizations responsible for safeguarding Aruba’s historic heritage, collectively known as Monumentenzorg Aruba (the Aruba Monuments Fund Foundation, the Monuments Bureau and the Monuments Council), celebrated an important milestone: 30 years of uninterrupted dedication to the preservation, maintenance, and appreciation of Aruba’s monuments.
The Department of Nature and Environment (DNM) congratulates the entire team and leadership on their tireless commitment over the past three decades.
This celebration also marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Aruba Monuments Fund Foundation. DNM warmly welcomes Ms. Petra Davies as the organization’s new director and wishes her every success as she continues this important mission. At the same time, DNM expresses its sincere gratitude to Ms. Anne Witsenburg, who led the foundation for many years with great dedication, passion, and care for Aruba’s culture and built heritage.
A Unique Combination of Heritage Preservation and Sustainability
For DNM, this celebration holds special significance. The department’s director emphasizes that DNM’s offices are located in one of Aruba’s most iconic and sustainable historic buildings: the Uncle Louis Store in San Nicolas.
During the restoration of the Uncle Louis Store, special attention was given to incorporating green technologies and environmentally friendly solutions. As a result, the building today serves not only as a valued historic landmark but also as an inspiring example of how cultural heritage can be preserved while adapting to the needs of a sustainable and future-ready society.
The collaboration with the Aruba Monuments Fund Foundation sends a powerful message. It demonstrates that protecting our history and caring for our environment can go hand in hand. The Uncle Louis Store stands as tangible proof that historic heritage can be preserved for future generations while implementing sustainable measures that help reduce environmental impact.
DNM believes that this partnership can inspire others to pursue similar initiatives. Once again, congratulations to Monumentenzorg Aruba on its 30th anniversary. Thank you to Ms. Anne Witsenburg for her many years of dedicated service, and best wishes to Ms. Petra Davies and her team. May the connection between history, culture, and nature continue to grow stronger in the decades ahead.