Island of Aruba makes an investment in nature

Unique fauna and flora found in the Caribbean holiday haven of Aruba are to gain further protection – and showcased more effectively to visitors – under a multi-million pound scheme now underway.

The 12.5 square mile Arikok National Park, which makes up 18 per cent of the total landmass of this Dutch Caribbean island, will open a new visitor centre in early 2009, while a study is underway to plan reforestation of part of the park, together with the introduction of a bird monitoring programme.

Formally established in 1997, the park’s goals are to maintain, protect and manage the existing flora, fauna and landscapes of the area, together with its cultural and historical assets.

Arikok is home to a number of species found only in Aruba, including the Aruba burrowing owl and the Aruban parakeet. Two species of snake are also found there – the Aruban rattlesnake, one of the rarest of its type in the world, and the Baker’s cat-eyed snake. The Aruban whiptail lizard can also be found there, together with wild donkeys, the descendants of animals originally brought to the island centuries ago by European settlers. Wild goats also roam the area.

Historic sites include caves containing ancient Caquetio Indian paintings.

With the help of Euros 7.2 million European Union funding, the park authorities are to establish the new visitor centre, which will incorporate a cinema showing educational films, a library and displays of local art. New roads are also being built, using only local materials.

The park will also this month (November) host a Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance bird-monitoring project, with rangers trained to study birds from specially-created bird-watching posts.

The reforestation study is planned to lead to a tree-planting programme in designated areas of the park. The investment will also fund an awareness programme – including a new website - in Aruba to highlight the park’s work and the importance of protecting the island’s landscape and animal species.

Currently free to visit, the park will introduce an entrance fee during 2009, the level of which has yet to be set.

For more information, log on to Aruba.com.