WILLEMSTAD – Sin Kabes, Curaçao Nature Conservation and Fundashon Museo Tula will hold a protest in Zakitó on Saturday, August 29, to voice concerns over the way parts of Curaçao are being developed. The organizations say construction projects are affecting nature, contributing to increasingly unaffordable housing and threatening areas they consider important to Curaçao’s culture and identity.
According to the organizers, this will be their second protest against development practices on the island. Zakitó was deliberately selected because they say numerous complaints have emerged from the area regarding recent and ongoing construction activities.
The organizations allege that mangroves have been removed and land has been excavated as part of development activities in the area. They are also critical of new apartments and homes being built at prices they say are beyond the financial reach of many Curaçao residents.
The groups say residents of Zakitó have previously expressed concerns about developments in their neighborhood but believe those complaints have not resulted in sufficient changes.
The protest is intended to address more than environmental protection. Sin Kabes, Curaçao Nature Conservation and Fundashon Museo Tula are also linking the issue to questions surrounding Curaçao’s cultural identity, local communities and access to affordable housing.
They are calling for a broader public discussion about how Curaçao is being developed, who ultimately benefits from that development and what consequences major construction projects have for existing communities and natural areas.
The organizations have framed their campaign as opposition to what they describe as the “sale and development” of Curaçao, arguing that economic development should not come at the expense of the island’s natural and cultural heritage.
The Zakitó area has undergone significant changes in recent years, including residential and other development. The protesters want greater attention to be paid to how such projects affect surrounding ecosystems and the people already living in the area.
The claims regarding mangrove removal and excavation are allegations made by the organizing groups. The information provided for the protest does not include a response from developers involved in projects in the area or from the Curaçao government.
The organizers are inviting residents who have experienced similar problems or who share their concerns about development on Curaçao to attend Saturday’s demonstration and share their experiences.