Blue Halo Curaçao | Waitt Institute | Sustainable Ocean Management

Legacy Program

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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PARTNERS

PROJECT MILESTONES

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.