Coastal Conservation in Curaçao

Curaçao is poised to emerge as a global leader in marine conservation through the groundbreaking initiative known as ‘Proteus.’ The focus of our project centered around Proteus Ocean Group (POG) and their plan to build ‘The first International Space Station of the Ocean’ off the coast of Curaçao. This state-of-the-art ‘underwater habitat’ and observatory will be a remarkable location for research and education, and ultimately, it will redefine our approach to ocean exploration. As Curaçao embraces this cutting-edge initiative, the island stands to be the forefront leader in this new era of marine conservation. In order to study this project, we needed to go beyond the scope of Proteus and gain a deeper understanding of Curaçao’s marine ecosystems as a whole.

Curaçao, a small island in the Caribbean, is home to diverse marine ecosystems that are not only visually stunning, with vibrant coral reefs and extensive aquatic life, but they also play a crucial role in supporting local communities through tourism and fishing. In recent years, these ecosystems have encountered numerous conservation challenges that pose threats to their future health and prosperity. Recognizing the importance of protecting these ecosystems, this venture grant aims to conduct an in-depth study on marine conservation efforts in Curaçao, with a focus on researching the state of marine ecosystems, identifying key conservation challenges, and understanding current and future sustainable solutions.

To execute this project, we traveled to Curaçao to explore the island’s marine biodiversity and interview with marine conservation non-profits on the island. These included Proteus, The Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity Foundation (CARMABI), the Curaçao Sea Aquarium, Secore International, Sea Turtle Conservation Curaçao (STCC), and the Curaçao Marine Park. Our goal was not just to study the challenges but to actively contribute to the ongoing efforts in marine conservation. We were able to volunteer with STCC to go beyond surface-level knowledge, which offered us hands-on experience that deepened our understanding of these ecosystems and fostered a direct connection to conservation practices.

To ensure the success of the Proteus Project, it's crucial to strengthen local partnerships and promote community engagement. An emphasis on sustainable tourism should be a key next step. The Proteus Project has the potential to leverage its unique position to advance marine research, encouraging data sharing to foster global collaboration while keeping a strong focus on local involvement. Moving forward, it would be beneficial for Proteus to work closely with the various organizations we spoke with and collaborated with during our visit. These organizations are deeply committed to Curaçao, marine conservation, and the island's future. Proteus has the potential to amplify their efforts, raise awareness, and drive forward impactful marine conservation solutions.

Researching this project has left a profound impact on us, both personally and professionally. Immersing ourselves in the world of marine conservation in Curaçao has deepened our appreciation for the delicate balance between human activity and environmental sustainability. Witnessing and participating in the dedication and innovation of organizations like CARMABI, the Curaçao Sea Aquarium, and STCC has inspired us to become more actively involved in conservation efforts within our own communities. Moreover, learning about the ambitious plans of the Proteus project has ignited a sense of hope and excitement for the future of marine science and exploration. We are also incredibly grateful for the generosity and willingness of the organizations we spoke to, and we are hoping to find ways to give back and support their critical work.