Everyone is invited to help map the island’s nature
WILLEMSTAD – The City Nature Challenge, one of the world’s largest citizen science events, is coming to Curaçao for the very first time—and for the first time to the entire Dutch Caribbean. From Friday, April 25 through Monday, April 28, all residents of Curaçao are invited to join this global initiative to document local biodiversity using the free app iNaturalist.
“We want to show how rich and diverse Curaçao’s nature is—from the city to the beach, from cacti to hummingbirds,” said Femi Meaux, co-organizer and founder of Hofi Cas Cora. “You don’t have to be an expert. If you can take a photo with your phone, you can take part.”
Participants are encouraged to explore and document wildlife in their neighborhoods—whether it’s trees, iguanas, mangroves, or coral reefs. Everything counts, as long as it’s wild. Observations can be uploaded easily to iNaturalist via the app or website. From April 28 to April 30, local experts and a global community will help identify the species recorded. Results will be announced on May 5.
“For many people, this is their first introduction to citizen science,” said Cindy Eman, co-organizer and founder of Yu di Tera. “It’s a fun and accessible way to learn more about the plants and animals around us—and to contribute to real scientific research. We hope to get people excited about our island’s nature, especially to inspire young people.”
The City Nature Challenge began in 2016 as a collaboration between the California Academy of Sciences and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. In 2024, 690 cities in 51 countries took part, logging over 2.4 million observations worldwide.
“I’m incredibly proud that we’re bringing this international movement to Curaçao,” said Nadina Galle, co-organizer and National Geographic Explorer. “The biodiversity on this island is both unique and valuable, but it often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. With this Challenge, we don’t just want to collect data—we want to spark a love for nature in everyone who lives here, from young to old.”
The City Nature Challenge is a vital tool for scientists and policymakers to gain insight into biodiversity—both locally and globally. The observations can help identify trends, detect invasive species, and protect rare ones.
How can you participate?
Download the free iNaturalist app (via iNaturalist.org)
Go outside between April 25–28 and take photos of wild plants and animals
Upload your observations to the app
Everyone can join—whether you work in nature, are a nature enthusiast, or simply curious.
