WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao will once again participate in the global City Nature Challenge from April 24 to 27, 2026, following a strong debut last year that placed the island 78th worldwide in number of observations. Organizers say the goal this year is to climb even higher in the international rankings.
As part of the preparations, the team behind City Nature Challenge Curaçao has announced a series of activities to engage the community, starting with the Curaçao Invasive Species Bioblitz, scheduled for February 16 through 22.
The initiative focuses on identifying and documenting invasive plant and animal species across the island. Not every species seen in Curaçao is native. Some were introduced through human activity, such as gardening or the pet trade, and certain species can spread rapidly, disrupting local ecosystems. On a small island like Curaçao, this can have significant environmental consequences. Well-known examples include the neem tree and the lionfish, both of which have had visible impacts on local biodiversity.
Organizers are calling on the public to assist by using the iNaturalist app to record sightings. During the week-long Bioblitz, residents are encouraged to observe and photograph invasive species in their yards, neighborhoods, along roadsides, and even in marine environments. Each uploaded observation contributes valuable data for scientists, helping them assess the presence and spread of invasive species and determine where action may be needed.
A list of target invasive species will be shared via the project’s social media channels, guiding participants on what to look for. According to organizers, many of the species on the list will already be familiar to the public.
Participants can join the project online, explore their surroundings, take photos of listed species, and upload their observations to iNaturalist between February 16 and 22. The data collected will support local conservation efforts and serve as preparation for the larger City Nature Challenge in April.
Organizers emphasize that early detection remains one of the most effective tools for protecting native plants and animals. Community participation is therefore considered essential in safeguarding Curaçao’s natural heritage.
In addition to the Bioblitz, a series of free masterclasses on Curaçao’s nature will be offered to the public. Topics include birds, plants, terrestrial and marine animals, and coral reefs. The next masterclass is scheduled for February 19 and will focus on how to use iNaturalist, along with a workshop on nature photography.
All masterclasses run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the session beginning promptly at 7:00 p.m. The classes take place at Hòfi Cas Corá. More information is available on Instagram and Facebook under citynaturechallengecuracao.
Organizers stress that everyone is welcome to participate, whether seasoned nature enthusiasts or first-time explorers, as Curaçao works together to better understand and protect its unique ecosystems.
.jpg)