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Blue Halo Curacao Logo
Map outline of Curacao

BLUE HALO CURAÇAO is a partnership between the Government of Curaçao, Waitt Institute, and support from our many collaborators.

In 2015, the Government of Curaçao and the Waitt Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding that launched Blue Halo Curaçao. The goal is to foster the sustainable, profitable, and enjoyable use of ocean resources for present and future generations. Over a five-year period, we will develop and implement sustainable ocean policies and a marine spatial plan through a process that deeply engages stakeholders and is based on scientific, social, and economic data.

Flamingo
Caracasbaai Landscape
Learning
Flowers
Local Fisherman
Sea Turtle
Mangroves
Otrobanda Overview

FROM THE FIELD

KEY PARTNERS

Curacao Flag
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TIMELINE

2015

2016

2017

2018

Government of Curaçao & Waitt Institute sign a Memorandum of Understanding in February 2015 that officially launches Blue Halo Curaçao. 

Blue Ribbon Committee (BRC) created by the Government with representatives from GMN, MEO, VVRP, Finance, and OWCS. 

Major assessments completed by the Waitt Institute and partners, and presented to the Blue Ribbon Committee and Council of Ministers:

  • Scientific assessment: the state of Curaçao’s reefs

  • Economic valuation of Curaçao’s marine resources

  • Community consultations, including stakeholder meetings and surveys

  • Legal framework assessment of Curaçao’s ocean laws and regulations.

Recommendations for a Sustainable Ocean Policy are presented to Government partners, including the Blue Ribbon Committee in July 2016.​​​​

In August 2017, a Ministerial Decree formally establishes the Blue Ribbon Committee to create a permanent Committee for sustained ocean management.

The Council of Ministers adopts the Blue Halo Curaçao Policy Recommendations in November 2017.

Fish Reproduction Zones and Underwater Park are approved by the Council of Ministers  in September 2018.

A new Memorandum of Understanding is signed in October 2018 to designate 30% of Curaçao's waters as marine sanctuaries, along with the necessary regulatory framework and new fisheries laws.

Community engagement to educate local stakeholders about the ocean through community events and school activities continue to be implemented by Blue Halo Curaçao.

REPORTS & RESOURCES

POLICY DOCUMENTS & REGULATIONS

SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL REPORTS

FISHING FOR THE FUTURE

Fish Aggregating Devices for

sustainable fisheries

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SITE MANAGER

ENDIRAH PALM

As Site Manager for Curaçao, she focuses on providing the Waitt Institute’s ocean management toolkit to the communities and governments and on executing program strategy. Endirah is an environmental entrepreneur and started the first recycling company in Curaçao.

 

ABOUT CURAÇAO

Location:
Island:
Population:
Exclusive Economic Zone:
Threats to the ocean:
 
How We Address These Threats:
 

Lesser Antilles

180 mi2

130,000 residents

700,000 km2

Overfishing

Mangrove deforestation

Coastal development

Water pollution 

Coral Bleaching

Blue Halo Curaçao completed an assessment of the marine environment, providing scientific information about fish biomass, water pollution, and coral health. The passing of Fish Reproduction Zones and the Underwater Marine Park will allow fish stocks to recover. We wrote a Best Practices Guide for Coastal Development in Curaçao that will be used to inform policymakers and developers.

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