WILLEMSTAD - Concerned residents of the Zakito area in Piscadera are making an urgent call for action to preserve the mangroves and coral reefs, crucial ecosystems for marine biodiversity and natural defenses against climate change.
The proposed construction of a marina by the GMFB Caribbean Group near Parasasa Beach threatens to seriously harm the protected reefs along the coast and, in turn, the ecosystem.
Mangroves act as natural buffers against coastal flooding, while coral reefs provide essential habitats for a diversity of marine life, crucial for the health of our seas. However, the developments in the area are on the verge of violating international agreements and compromising the natural beauty of Curaçao.
No response
For over three years, Zakito residents have resisted development plans without any response from the government or the developer to their requests for clarification. In an attempt to draw attention to the potential ecological damage, residents and supporting organizations are organizing a meeting near the lagoon at Parasasa Beach.
The community emphasizes the importance of active civic participation and urges policymakers to adopt sustainable development guidelines that ensure the protection of ecosystems. There is also a call for the establishment of a nature park in Zakito as a means to protect biodiversity and provide recreational space for the local community.
The involved citizens stand united in their fight against the threat of urban development at the expense of the rich ecosystem of the region. They demand that the government take necessary steps to preserve the mangroves and reefs for future generations and call on everyone to support the movement in the fight against what they consider a potential ecological disaster.