Opening of Conservation Management Office in Arikok National Park

This milestone marks a new step in strengthening the organization and its conservation work while highlighting Aruba’s rich architectural and natural heritage.

During the ceremony, Prime Minister Mike Eman unveiled the seal identifying the historic building as a protected monument. The Governor of Aruba, His Excellency Alfonso Boekhoudt, also participated in the official opening, followed by a guided tour of the facilities.

In his speech, Eman congratulated the ACF and all the individuals and organizations that contributed to the realization of the project. He emphasized that nature protection is a shared responsibility that affects the entire community.

"Every day our nature is stronger," was one of the key messages the Prime Minister shared, noting that Aruba possesses a natural heritage that must be cared for and preserved. According to Eman, this task requires commitment not only from a single organization, but from the government, institutions, and all stakeholders who each play a vital role in environmental stewardship.

Prime Minister Eman stressed the importance of having a robust organization dedicated to conservation, equipped with the capacity to supervise, guide, and unite diverse actors around a common goal. In that context, he expressed his hope that the new office will continue to grow as a hub where knowledge, collaboration, and conservation intersect.

The opening of the Conservation Management Office builds upon a 23-year working relationship between the Government of Aruba and the ACF. In recent years, the ACF has taken significant steps to professionalize and strengthen its organization while expanding its dedicated conservation team.

Tyson Lopez, CEO of the Aruba Conservation Foundation, stated that the new office creates a space where different conservation units can work more closely together, collaborate, innovate, and develop impactful projects and programs. He emphasized that the immense scope of nature conservation makes collaboration with the government, NGOs, and other stakeholders indispensable.

The Conservation Management Office will bring together the Research & Consultancy, Conservation Operations, Learning & Outreach, and Terrestrial Conservation units, alongside the ACF’s Chief Conservation Officer, Natasha Silva.

The project successfully integrated both the existing monumental building and a newly constructed section. Architect Orlando Hoevertsz of Hoevertsz Archi Design N.V. explained that the primary architectural challenge was harmonizing the two parts—respecting the traditional character of the historic monument while creating a modern, functional workspace for the organization.