Inauguration of Shoco Garden
ORANJESTAD – On October 6, 2025, the inauguration of the Shoco Garden took place.
The project is a joint initiative between Marriott and Aruba Birdlife Conservation aimed at protecting Aruba’s national bird, the shoco (burrowing owl).
Prime Minister Mr. Mike Eman attended the ceremony and expressed his appreciation to Marriott for contributing to the government’s broader vision of preserving the elements that make Aruba unique amid ongoing development.
Marriott has demonstrated its commitment to environmental stewardship by establishing a Shoco Garden on its property, providing a safe habitat for shoco nests, an effort for which Prime Minister Eman expressed deep gratitude. He also extended special thanks to Mr. Greg Peterson of Aruba Birdlife Conservation, recognizing him as a pioneer in the protection of Aruba’s shoco and for his efforts in raising international awareness of this iconic species.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the private sector embracing the principle of coexistence with nature and assuming shared responsibility for preserving, and where possible, restoring Aruba’s natural heritage. Development across the island has led to significant loss of native trees, and the government’s ambitious goal to plant 100,000 trees and protect 500 shoco nests within the next four years can only be achieved through strong public–private collaboration. Currently, around 200 shoco nests have been registered across Aruba, highlighting the need for continued conservation efforts.
The commitment of major entities such as Marriott provides a vital boost to this initiative. The Prime Minister also noted that maintaining a balanced level of tourism development is essential to allow for the restoration of other aspects of Aruba’s environment and infrastructure that have come under pressure, including wastewater management, housing, and the labor market.
He further underscored that if Aruba does not protect its nature, identity, and culture, it risks losing the community’s connection to, and support for, the tourism industry. The government is therefore preparing for a national dialogue with the hotel sector, with the goal of bringing all stakeholders together to define a shared vision for sustainable development, one that balances prosperity, environmental protection, and the well-being of the Aruban people.