WILLEMSTAD – Three environmental and cultural organizations will hold a protest in Zakitó on Saturday over concerns about the way Curaçao is being developed, including the removal of mangroves, damage to natural areas and the construction of housing they say is increasingly unaffordable for local residents.
The protest is being organized by Sin Kabes, Curaçao Nature Conservation and Fundashon Museo Tula.
According to the organizers, growing development across the island is putting pressure not only on Curaçao’s natural environment but also on its culture and quality of life.
Zakitó was deliberately selected as the location for the demonstration because of numerous complaints surrounding recent construction activities in the area.
The organizations are particularly concerned about mangroves that have been cut down and what they consider a broader pattern of development that is changing natural areas while producing housing that many Curaçao residents cannot afford.
The organizers stress that Saturday’s demonstration is therefore about more than environmental protection. They see the issue as closely connected to preserving Curaçao’s cultural identity and ensuring that the island remains livable for its own population.
The protest comes amid a broader public debate about the pace and nature of development in Curaçao, particularly in coastal and environmentally sensitive areas.
Residents who share the organizations’ concerns about development, nature, housing and the preservation of Curaçao’s culture are being invited to join the demonstration.
The protest is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. Saturday in Zakitó.