WILLEMSTAD – Curaçaoan environmentalist Ryan de Jongh has launched a fundraising campaign to clean up the RAMSAR area at Libu, Boka Sami, claiming that oil contamination in the ground is having harmful effects on the environment. The Ministry of Health, Environment, and Nature (GMN) has denied the presence of oil after conducting a visual inspection, but de Jongh stands by his findings.
Discovery of Oil Contamination
De Jongh’s foundation began restoration work in the area over a year and nine months ago. “When we started our investigation about three years ago, we noticed something that appeared to be oil, but at the time, I didn’t pay much attention to it,” de Jongh said.
It wasn’t until excavation for improved water circulation and replanting that the extent of the contamination became clear. “Trees are dying, and we’ve taken samples confirming the pollution,” he added. De Jongh is determined to address the issue without political conflict, stating, “Instead of fighting, we can all work together as Curaçao to clean up this area, which has been protected since 2010.”
Bioremediation with Microorganisms
To clean up the contamination, de Jongh is collaborating with Sandovar Lourens, who uses effective microorganisms (EM) to restore polluted areas. Lourens has been applying this method on Curaçao for twelve years and emphasizes its proven success worldwide. “We use balls filled with microorganisms that restore the soil by breaking down harmful substances and reviving the ecosystem,” Lourens explained.
The technique has previously shown success in other projects on the island, including at Waaigat. “Within three weeks, the smell disappeared, and the water was clear,” said Lourens.
GMN’s Response
On January 14, GMN conducted a visual inspection and released a statement saying that no oil was found in the ground. “The dark color of the soil is a natural phenomenon in salinas, and the strong aroma comes from hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a natural process that forms an ecosystem for flamingos and other coastal birds,” GMN stated.
However, GMN did take soil samples for further analysis, with results to be announced later. The ministry emphasized that any activities in protected nature areas require consultation with the relevant authorities.
Transparency and Call to Action
De Jongh acknowledges that the fundraising campaign was set up quickly but assures transparency in the process. “Anyone can verify our work and get involved. We post updates on social media and keep the public informed,” he said.
The cleanup effort requires $60,000, and volunteers are welcome to assist in making the microorganism balls. “We want to do this together for a cleaner and healthier Curaçao,” de Jongh concluded.