UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Confirms That Aruba’s Land and Sea Form One Integrated System
ORANJESTAD – In observance of World Environment Day (June 5) and World Oceans Day (June 8), scientific expert and Aruba’s focal point for UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, Dr. Marck Oduber, highlighted the historic significance of Aruba’s recent designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
According to Dr. Oduber, this international recognition officially confirms Aruba’s inclusion in the World Network of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, which in 2025 consists of 784 reserves across 142 countries.
"This is a historic moment for Aruba and the Caribbean region," said Dr. Oduber. "Aruba becomes the third biosphere reserve in the Dutch- and English-speaking Caribbean, further strengthening our region’s presence within this global network."
Dr. Oduber explained that a biosphere reserve is far more than a symbolic designation. According to him, the recognition represents a long-term commitment to building a future in which nature, culture, science, economic development, and communities can thrive together.
The Aruba Biosphere Reserve encompasses the entire island, including more than 19,000 hectares of land and approximately 3 million hectares of marine and economic zones surrounding Aruba. The designation recognizes that land and sea cannot be managed separately, but rather as one interconnected system that supports Aruba’s well-being, economy, and cultural identity.
"For Aruba, as a Large Ocean State, a healthy ocean is essential for our food security, blue economy, tourism sector, and resilience to climate change," Dr. Oduber stated.
According to the expert, mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs not only support biodiversity but also protect coastal communities and help preserve Aruba’s way of life.
Dr. Oduber drew a direct connection between this vision and several environmental initiatives currently underway in Aruba, including reforestation projects, coral restoration efforts, and the continued strengthening of the Aruba Marine Park.
He also noted that the Biosphere Reserve vision aligns with a variety of regional and international partnerships, including the Ocean Coordination Mechanism, IOC/UNESCO programs, and several alliances that emerged from the Common Good Conference. During the conference, memoranda of understanding were signed to advance sustainability, ecosystem restoration, and scientific cooperation.
One of the most important aspects of this achievement, according to Dr. Oduber, is that Aruba reached this milestone through an extensive process of co-creation and social dialogue. Government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the scientific community, the private sector, the tourism industry, fishers, educational institutions, and youth representatives all contributed to shaping this shared vision.
"The biosphere reserve belongs to all of us," emphasized Dr. Oduber. "Every stakeholder has an important role to play in the protection, sustainable management, and regeneration of our natural resources."
According to Dr. Oduber, the designation also creates an opportunity for Aruba to become a “living laboratory” and a regional center for research and innovation in sustainable development, where knowledge and experiences can be shared with other biosphere reserves throughout the Caribbean and around the world.
In closing, Dr. Oduber stressed that the success of the biosphere reserve will depend not only on UNESCO recognition, but also on the collective commitment of the Aruban community.
"Its success will depend on our shared commitment, our ongoing social dialogue, and our willingness to continue working together toward a more resilient, prosperous, and sustainable Aruba," he concluded.
