WILLEMSTAD - Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands will visit Curaçao and Aruba from Tuesday, November 7, through Friday, November 10. The visit is focused on the work of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and socio-community initiatives on the islands. The reason for the visit is the DCNA conference on nature-friendly solutions for ecosystem recovery on the Dutch Caribbean islands. The Princess is the patroness of DCNA.
On Curaçao, Princess Beatrix's program includes a visit to Landhuis Savonet on the morning of Tuesday, November 7. The country house, built in 1662, was once one of the largest plantations on the island. It was thoroughly restored in 2010 and 2018. The surrounding park is managed by DCNA partner Carmabi (Caribbean Research & Management of Biodiversity Foundation). Princess Beatrix will take a short tour of the museum in the country house. Additionally, she will attend a nature education lesson with several primary school students. The children will learn about the dangers of litter for the island's environment. Subsequently, Carmabi staff will brief the Princess on the climatic importance of the surrounding Christoffelpark and the local wildlife rescue efforts.
Furthermore, on Wednesday, November 8, in the morning, Princess Beatrix will visit Fundashon Ser'i Otrobanda. This initiative creates neighborhood gardens in Willemstad to promote self-sufficiency and healthy eating habits among residents. The idea emerged during the COVID-19 crisis when families were supported with food packages. By establishing urban gardens, people can grow their own vegetables and fruits, connect with their neighbors, and stimulate more activity in the area. Fundashon Ser'i Otrobanda is supported by the Oranje Fonds. The Princess will receive an explanation about the origins and importance of the community gardens and meet volunteers. The working visit to Curaçao concludes on Wednesday evening with a dinner at the Governor's Palace with Governor Lucille George-Wout.
The work visit to Aruba begins on Thursday, November 9, and ends on Friday, November 10.