WILLEMSTAD - In a recent press release, the environmental organization Amigu di Tera has urged the Curaçaoan government to immediately stop ongoing construction projects at Lagun and Jeremi beaches, citing concerns over environmental destruction and the lack of sustainable planning. This call comes shortly after a tourism conference that emphasized sustainability and the preservation of natural resources, and a cultural week that celebrated the island’s natural beauty and heritage.
According to the organization, the government has hurriedly begun construction work in the middle of Lagun beach and removed unique vegetation at Jeremi as part of a so-called "facelift" project, which the government aims to complete before December. However, Amigu di Tera points out that there is still no comprehensive plan for the responsible and sustainable use of the coastline, and the previously promised vision for coastal management remains unclear or non-existent.
Local residents have expressed frustration, as they feel that their enjoyment of the beaches, in their natural state, is being threatened by poorly thought-out tourism development ideas. Amigu di Tera argues that these developments prioritize short-term economic interests over the island's cultural and environmental heritage.
The environmental group has called for an immediate stop to the work at Lagun, demanding that the beach be restored to its original condition. Additionally, they propose that the vegetation removed at Jeremi should be replanted by experts, and that steps be taken to prevent further erosion. Simple, eco-friendly facilities such as toilets with septic tanks and well-placed trash bins are suggested as sufficient to meet recreational needs without damaging the environment.
Amigu di Tera also stressed the importance of halting the entire "facelift" project, describing it as nothing more than environmental destruction and a mockery of the island's deeply held values. The organization is calling for a period of thoughtful deliberation to develop a sustainable management plan for Curaçao’s coastal areas, one that respects both cultural heritage and natural resources. Without such a plan, they warn, the island could face even greater environmental challenges in the future.