WILLEMSTAD - A group of 35 second-year students from the Faculty of Social and Economic Studies at the University of Curaçao gained a unique perspective on sustainable urban development by participating in a 'Green Tour,' organized by the SustainaBUL program of the 2030 HUB Caribbean Foundation.
During this tour, which took place on March 1, the focus was on the redevelopment of Waterfort Plaza, with a strong emphasis on environmentally friendly, social, and economic aspects.
The tour started at the Waterfort Plaza showroom, where students got a first impression of the ambitious project through scale models. They then explored the Plaza building and the historic arches surrounding it to get a sense of the challenges and opportunities that come with the redevelopment.
The heart of the tour was the emphasis on sustainability, taking into account the 'triple bottom line' of people, planet, and profit. This involves seeking sustainable methods for dismantling existing structures, with particular attention to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This includes the pursuit of sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, and partnerships to achieve goals. Experts from construction company MNO and APC Real Estate shared their technical knowledge and insights within the broader framework of the project with the students.
The Green Tour 2024 College Edition was praised as an 'immersive experience' by a UoC lecturer, providing students with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in real sustainable urban development.