Empowering Communities to Protect Their Ocean
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.
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FROM THE FIELD
KEY PARTNERS
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:
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Scientific assessment: the state of Curaçao’s reefs
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Economic valuation of Curaçao’s marine resources
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Community consultations, including stakeholder meetings and surveys
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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
Memorandum of Understanding — February 2015
Blue Halo Policy Recommendations — September 2016
Legal Framework Report — July 2016
SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL REPORTS
A Review of the Ecology and Economics of Curaçao’s Marine Resources — June 2015
Economic Valuation of Curaçao’s Marine Resources — June 2016
Community Consultation Findings — July 2016
Marine Scientific Assessment — May 2017
Curaçao Should Adopt Fish Reproduction Zones to Recover Reef Fish Stocks and Improve Coastal Resources — April 2018
Best Practices for Coastal Development in Curaçao — October 2018
FISHING FOR THE FUTURE
Fish Aggregating Devices for
sustainable fisheries
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.