CHATA Sustainability Conference

On 25 November 2015, the Curaçao Hospitality and Tourism Association (CHATA) organized a conference on the topic of sustainability, with the aim of creating awareness among key stakeholders on the importance of mitigating and preventing the adverse effects of development on the environment through utilizing an integrated approach to development.
TEXT BY NEELAM MELWANI

The conference was free of charge and attended by a variety of stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as stakeholders from the international community.

Fabien Cousteau, world-renowned oceanographer and grandson of the late oceanographer, Jacques Cousteau, opened the event with an impressive keynote address on the importance of ocean exploration, and the work being done in Curaçao with the Deep Reef Observation Project. He then shared his experience as an ocean explorer and his concerns with regards to the future of man’s most important resource: water.

The following speaker, former Prime Minister and current head of Fundashon TAS, Don Martina, highlighted the importance of integrated water resource management policy (IWRM), and the benefits of learning how to sustainably harvest water for people, food, nature and industrial growth. Fundashon TAS regularly works with cross-sectorial partners to provide support for IWRM.

Thereafter, TUI Care Foundation and Greenforce launched a joint-recycling initiative on the island, providing new trash disposal and recycling bins to hotels across the island. Waste management is imperative in moving forward and developing Curaçao – and projects like Greenforce are positive forces for changing the mentality of people on the island.

The ‘reduce, reuse, recycle,’ mentality is something that both partners agreed needs to be built in Curaçao, and investing in bins at busy hotels is only the first step. The partners have bright dreams for Curaçao’s future.

The WAITT Institute’s local representative for the Blue Halo Initiative (‘Oura Blou’), Gisette Seferina, spoke next, providing insight into the plans for appropriate ocean zoning in Curaçao through collaboration and the support of the WAITT Institute. Currently in its initial research phase, the WAITT institute hopes to develop an agreed upon strategy for water management and ocean zoning, while promoting sustainable development, and building the necessary skills for the public moving forward.

Lastly, PRIVA’s managing director, Jan Westra, concluded the conference with a presentation on sustainable agricultural solutions and the use of technology. He highlighted the importance of urban farming initiatives and equipping farmers with the adequate resources and knowledge to continue to sustainably and efficiently produce crops for Curaçao.

Overall, the event was very informative, showing all the ways that Curaçao is on the path towards sustainable economic and social development. While most of these ideas are still in their early stages, there is wide support from both the public and private sectors for positive initiatives like these.