WILLEMSTAD - A permit granted earlier this year to Baoase, formally Flamingo Development Company N.V., for a 2,007-square-meter land reclamation and coastal defense project has been revoked by Minister of Spatial Planning, Charles Cooper. The decision comes less than three months after the original approval.
Minister Cooper stated that the revocation followed an analysis triggered by appeals against the permit, revealing issues requiring further investigation. The ministerial decree emphasizes that Flamingo Development Company is cooperating fully and has expressed willingness to provide additional information to support a review of their application. The developer has also agreed not to oppose the revocation.
Coral Health Sparks Environmental Concerns
Key to the revocation is the health of coral in the proposed development area, located on the eastern side of the resort. According to correspondence from Cooper’s ministry, the condition of the coral has significantly deteriorated since an initial survey conducted in May 2023.
“Recent investigations in the project area, conducted in response to the appeals, reveal that the majority of coral colonies are dead,” the ministry stated. “The causes are diverse, including climate change and diseases. A small coral colony (classified as SPAW II) is also in decline.”
The ministry added that the government is deliberating on measures to prevent further coral die-offs across the island.
Legal Challenges Ahead
The permit revocation follows legal challenges filed by multiple parties concerned about the environmental impact of the development. Environmental advocates and stakeholders argue that projects like this pose a threat to Curaçao’s marine ecosystems, which are already under pressure from climate change and human activity.
Minister Cooper’s decision underscores the government’s commitment to re-evaluating projects that may exacerbate environmental vulnerabilities. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future developments in ecologically sensitive areas.