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Aruba was one of 180 countries participating in World Cleanup Day today with more than 60 volunteers led by Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort in partnership with Arikok National Park.
World Cleanup Day was organized with a goal that crosses borders and defies religious and cultural differences. It is one of the biggest civic movements, uniting countries across the world with the mission to facilitate a cleaner planet. Last year, World Clean Up Day brought together more than 11 million people despite the difficulties of COVID-19.
World Cleanup Day harnesses the power and enthusiasm of people around the world who want to see sustainable living for future generations and it is accomplished by joining together. The movement this year highlights an area so critical for Aruba – the ocean. With 70% of the world’s oxygen produced in oceans, it is devastating that 8 million tons of plastic end up polluting the water each year. The 2021 theme is to raise awareness and work to stop the flow of garbage into water. Cleaning up litter and mismanaged waste from Aruba’s beaches and streets will positively impact the undersea flora and fauna and ultimately, everyone. 
Participating EcoKids from the International School of Aruba shared: "We are young eco-warriors! Our mission is to help the ocean and our beautiful island of Aruba. We want to protect and help the Earth for future generations. Thank you Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort for inspiring us and supporting us!"
The leadership of Arikok National Park and Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort invited local educational groups, including the International School of Aruba, the University of Aruba, Fofoti Tours, The Interact group as part of Schakel College and guests and staff within Bucuti & Tara to participate in the effort to rid Arashi Beach and surroundings of trash. Mr. Tyson Lopes, the Sustainable Recreation Manager for the Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba: “FPNA would like to thank Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort for organizing the clean-up at Arashi Beach, it is through collaboration with the community we will be able to conserve our Protected areas. We encourage all citizens and visitors to be mindful of their impact while recreating in nature, we to conserve healthy and resilient ecosystems for the generations to come to be able to enjoy”.
Fofoti Tours provided transportation to the clean-up site. “Our team at Fofoti is proud to be a believer and supporter of having a healthy balance between tourism and protecting our natural environment because this is where we all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing all of us share.”
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort returning guests Mr. Michael Wildemand and Ms. Annette MacMullin from Tewksbury, Ma schedule their stay for the third week of each month to make sure they have the opportunity to participate in the resort's monthly Eagle Beach clean-up. They were pleasantly surprised to join and meet the robust group of sustainability-minded local people during the special participation in World Cleanup Day this year.
Overall the event was a resounding success and Bucuti & Tara and Parke Arikok thank all the participants.