WILLEMSTAD - Serious and large-scale plans are underway to develop Klein Curaçao. If all goes well, these plans will be financed by the European Union. This was revealed during a presentation by Ciaretta Profas, a staff member for nature and environmental management at the Ministry of Health, Environment, and Nature, during a press conference last week.
Klein Curaçao, located approximately ten kilometers southeast of Curaçao, is seen as an uninhabited gem of significant historical value and natural beauty. The lighthouse, a monument and attraction where many enjoy taking photos, is well-known. The crystal-clear waters surrounding the island are also a major draw. In 2018, Klein Curaçao was recognized as a Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance.
Taking these factors into account, the government of Curaçao has reached out to the European Union fund to initiate a project. This project aims to develop strategies to protect the natural resources of Klein Curaçao while enabling sustainable use of this area by both visitors and residents of Curaçao.
According to Profas, this also enables the necessary daily management activities. The project focuses on five pathways, with communication being the most important. A communication plan will be developed and implemented, information sessions will be organized for stakeholders, clean-up activities and on-site observations will be conducted, and there will be an extensive online presence and sharing of impactful stories.
Furthermore, a sustainable development plan for Klein Curaçao will be created and implemented, and an observation and research program will be established. Finally, and eagerly awaited by many, a plan for the restoration of the lighthouse will be put in place. The entire process is expected to take fourteen months.