WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao is set to participate once again in the global City Nature Challenge, one of the world’s largest citizen science events, with organizers aiming for an even stronger showing in 2026.
The four-day event will take place from April 24 to 27 and invites residents to document local wildlife by photographing plants and animals and uploading observations through the iNaturalist platform. Each observation contributes to global scientific research and biodiversity monitoring.
The initiative is part of the international City Nature Challenge, organized by the California Academy of Sciences and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
Curaçao made its debut in the challenge in 2025, achieving notable results. In just four days, 211 participants recorded more than 11,200 observations covering 1,203 species across the island, placing Curaçao 79th worldwide out of nearly 700 participating cities and regions. Approximately 64 percent of the observations were classified as research-grade, making them directly usable for scientific purposes.
Organizers say the initiative is especially important as Curaçao’s natural environment faces increasing pressure from rapid development. The island is home to more than 500 plant species, over 65 types of hard coral, hundreds of fish species, more than 200 bird species, and at least nine native reptile species.
According to the organizers, the data collected during the challenge is actively used by the Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN) to monitor biodiversity, identify invasive species, and support environmental policy and conservation efforts.
Globally, the City Nature Challenge has grown significantly since its launch in 2016. In 2025, more than 103,000 participants across 669 cities in 62 countries recorded over 3.3 million observations, documenting nearly 75,000 species, including thousands considered rare or endangered.
To prepare participants, organizers in Curaçao are hosting a series of free masterclasses and field activities in the weeks leading up to the event. The Curaçao Nature Masterclass Series, running from late January through April 18, covers topics such as insects, birdwatching, coral reefs, and citizen science.
In addition, two practice “bioblitz” events are scheduled: one at Hòfi Cas Còrá on April 18 and another in Otrobanda on April 22, coinciding with Earth Day activities.
Participation is open to individuals, schools, businesses, and organizations. Organizers emphasize that no scientific background is required, and even a short participation—such as 30 minutes—can contribute valuable data.
The initiative is led locally by a volunteer team and supported by a broad network of partners, including schools, NGOs, and government agencies, reflecting growing community engagement in environmental awareness and conservation.
With increased preparation and community involvement, Curaçao aims to build on last year’s success and further highlight the island’s biodiversity on the global stage.
