WILLEMSTAD – The Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity Foundation (Carmabi) reached a total of 14,214 children from primary education during the 2025–2026 school year through educational programs focused on Curaçao’s local nature and ecosystems.
Although not every school participates every year, Carmabi reports growing interest in nature education. Several schools choose to participate in multiple excursions annually, visiting locations such as Savonet, Piscadera, the Curaçao Rif Mangrove Park, and other natural areas managed by the organization.
Learning to appreciate nature
“You can only protect what you know. By introducing children to the nature around them from an early age, we are building a generation that understands why protecting our ecosystems is important,” said Cor Hameete, head of Education at Carmabi.
New programs have also become part of Carmabi’s educational activities. The newest addition to Curaçao’s national parks, Seru Largu National Park, has been incorporated as a regular educational location where students learn about the area’s nature, culture and history, including the salt pans and surrounding environment.
New educational initiatives
This school year also marked the start of the Snoop Doggy school visit program, developed in collaboration with Veterinary Centers Curaçao. Through this program, children learn about pets, responsibility and proper animal care.
According to Carmabi, developing respect for animals close to home is an important first step toward a broader understanding and appreciation of animals and nature.
Carmabi is also increasingly working with secondary schools. The organization has noticed that local nature and environmental topics are appearing more often in science fairs and student research projects.
Expanding marine education
Educational programs focused on the Curaçao Rif Mangrove Park and the Curaçao Marine Park are also being further developed. These areas play an important role in initiatives such as the Marine Youth Ranger program.
Carmabi is also collaborating with ReAct Coral Restoration, allowing young people to become actively involved in the restoration and conservation of Curaçao’s underwater ecosystems.
Beyond regular school programs, Carmabi welcomes special groups, including senior citizens, people with disabilities and community organizations. Through these efforts, the organization aims to make nature education accessible to a broad segment of Curaçao’s population.