WILLEMSTAD - Curaçao's public beaches are set to receive new management and enhanced facilities. The Ministry of Health, Environment, and Nature will take over the responsibility for the daily maintenance of the beaches and will implement basic amenities such as toilets, parking areas, and kiosks. This decision is formalized in a collaboration protocol signed at the end of 2023.
Premier Gilmar 'Pik' Pisas acknowledged that during the upgrade process for Lagun and Jeremi beaches, he had made a mistake by not involving the public and stakeholders in the improvement plans. On Thursday, during a question-and-answer session in the Curaçao Parliament (Staten), which was requested by PAR parliamentarian Stefan Croes, Pisas presented the improvement plans and the new beach policy.
In his address, Premier Pisas emphasized that the new approach aims to create better-organized beaches that remain accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. The protocol is also intended to contribute to the sustainable development of the beaches while preserving their unique character.
Sustainability
Pisas focused on sustainable beach development, seeking a balance between preserving the beaches' authentic character and modernizing them. He outlined three viewpoints within the community: one group opposes any changes, another is open to minimal adjustments, and a third group advocates for full modernization to make the beaches more attractive to tourists.
The plans include measures to address the impacts of climate change, such as improved drainage, preserving vegetation to combat coastal erosion, and constructing sustainable structures that can withstand heavy storms. Efforts will also focus on protecting "pocket beaches," small, unique beaches with significant ecological and landscape value.
Accessibility
Under the new policy, the character of public beaches will be preserved, with free access for both residents and tourists, as emphasized by Pisas. The government aims to reduce the pressure on popular beaches like Grote Knip by making underutilized beaches, such as Playa Jeremi and Boka Simon, more attractive. This is expected to not only improve the distribution of visitors but also boost the local economy.
The premier concluded by assuring that stakeholders and the public will be actively involved in future plans. “Our beaches must become an iconic product, suitable for tourism, while still remaining accessible to the local community,” Pisas said.