WILLEMSTAD – UNESCO has expressed concern over construction projects in and around the historic center of Willemstad, following warnings from local heritage organizations that new developments could threaten the city’s protected character.
In a letter to stakeholders, including the Monument Council, Lazare Eloundou Assomo, director of UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre, confirmed that the organization has taken note of documentation submitted regarding several planned projects. According to local groups, at least six developments may not align with the historic cityscape.
UNESCO indicated that the information has been forwarded to the competent authorities within the Kingdom for further assessment and response. At the same time, the organization emphasized that primary responsibility for protecting and preserving World Heritage sites lies with the state itself.
Growing pressure on historic city center
Willemstad’s historic inner city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, recognized for its unique architectural blend of European and Caribbean influences, colorful waterfront, and urban layout dating back to the colonial era.
Heritage organizations on the island warn that increasing development pressure could undermine these values. They argue that the cumulative impact of multiple projects—rather than individual developments alone—poses a growing risk to the integrity of the site.
Monumentenraad chair Lusette Verboom has called for clear boundaries to be established, stressing that authorities must define what types of development are acceptable within and around the protected zone.
Ongoing monitoring by UNESCO
UNESCO confirmed that it will continue to monitor the state of conservation of Willemstad in collaboration with its advisory bodies, including the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). The organization pays particular attention to projects that could alter the visual or cultural integrity of heritage sites.
Globally, UNESCO has previously issued warnings or even placed sites on the “World Heritage in Danger” list when uncontrolled development threatened their status. While Willemstad has not reached that stage, local stakeholders fear that continued pressure without clear policy direction could eventually put its designation at risk.
Call for balance between development and preservation
The situation highlights a broader challenge facing many historic cities: balancing economic development with heritage preservation. As tourism and urban expansion continue, authorities are increasingly required to ensure that new projects respect the cultural and historical value that defines the destination.
For Curaçao, maintaining UNESCO status is not only a matter of cultural pride but also of economic importance, as the designation enhances the island’s international profile and attractiveness to visitors.
With UNESCO now formally engaged, the discussion around development in Willemstad is expected to intensify, placing greater scrutiny on how the island manages growth within its historic core.