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In preparation for Earth Day on April 22, Bucuti & Tara took to the beach – for a clean-up, that is! Special guests including The Honorable Prime Minister of Aruba Evelyn Wever-Croes, local teachers and school children, sustainability partners from Aruba International Airport, De Palm Tours’ charitable arm, The Giving Palm, resort guests and staff joined together today, April 19, for a sun filled, spirited beach clean-up. This is a part of the resort’s week-long celebration of Earth Day where guests have the opportunity to participate in multiple inspiring events that make a difference.
The group of 95 gathered at the Caribbean’s first certified carbon-neutral hotel. The Honorable Prime Minister Wever-Croes opened the event emphasizing the importance of Earth Day 2023, sustainable tourism, and taking care of Aruba’s beaches and environment for future generations.
Affectionately known as one of the “Dream Beaches of the World,” today’s participants then combed a one kilometer stretch of Eagle Beach determined to free it from any refuse. The effort resulted in collecting 65 kilograms of debris and litter to help keep the beach pristine and marine life protected.
Beyond this special beach clean-up, guests are invited to participate in the monthly beach clean-up. They can join together along with some of their favorite staff to give back to the island.
#InvestInOurPlanet
Each year, EarthDay.org sets a theme to inspire the world to make local efforts, such as the beach clean-up, for global success. For Earth Day 2023, the theme is “Everyone accounted for, and everyone accountable, #InvestInOurPlanet.”
While Bucuti & Tara is an adults-only resort, its commitment to the next generation extends to partnering with local schools. The property provides entrepreneurial activities with local EcoKids, onsite sustainability training for students, and for the second year in a row partnered with the Mon Plasir Basisschool for this special Earth Week beach clean-up.
Paola Pappers, teacher at Mon Plasir, shares, "We believe it's crucial to educate our children about sustainability. They are the future, and we want to equip them with the necessary skills to create a better planet. As the saying goes, 'Jong geleerd oud gedaan!' - teach them young and they will continue to do the right thing throughout their lives. It's truly heartening to see our young generation so enthusiastic and committed to preserving our planet."
The multigenerational gathering for today’s Earth Day beach clean-up brought together leadership, front line staff, educators, guests from around the world, with the goal of using simple acts to make a big difference for everyone’s collective future.
Sea turtle nesting grounds
Among Aruba’s first visitors are the famously large Leatherback sea turtles. The prehistoric giants weighing in at up to 1,500 lbs and stretching 7 ft in length return to their birth spot when it's time to lay their own clutch. For some, that special nesting spot is Bucuti & Tara’s own stretch along world-famous Eagle Beach.
Participants of today’s beach clean-up along with Bucuti & Tara’s monthly beach clean-ups help keep this “nursery” pristine for the next generation of sea turtles. This nesting season, Bucuti & Tara is already home to two sea turtle nests, which are carefully protected. Guests hoping to plan their visit around estimated hatchings can visit Bucuti & Tara’s Sea Turtle Nesting Calendar.