ORANJESTAD -- Stimaruba, the organization that devotes herself to nature conservation and nature protection, expressed deep concern to reports about plans to build a hotel near Arashi. The organization points out a publication in February 2006 of Coastal Zone Management, in which it is clearly indicated that the area is reserved for recreation. Stimaruba is of the opinion that there are too many hotels in Aruba already.
From the plans it appears that there is no end to the construction of hotels and condominiums and that, according to Stimaruba, is a disappointment for tourists that come to Aruba to rest and who expect good service. That’s what they pay for. “They are our guests and they have to feel welcome here.” Olinda Rasmijn of Stimaruba says. She continues saying that guests of the low- rise hotels keep returning every year, and that many tourists come to Aruba especially for the environment, watersports, clean blue sea, exotic food, and clean rooms. They do not come for an island that continues to get busier, with heavy traffic and a lot of CO2 emission, and where more and more roads need maintenance and repairs.
Rasmijn continues to point out the unique characteristic of the scenery at Arashi, where there are still the remnants of an old pig farm, and where a few remaining water birds can be found, birds that have actually disappeared from the rest of the island. Locals and tourists alike love to go to Arashi to enjoy the surrounding area, the coarse sand, and the vegetation. It is also popular with body surfers who like to show what they can do on the waves. On this part of the island with a beautiful beach and blue sea, people like to snorkel, and scouts and other groups like to enjoy their outdoor activities.
Stimaruba also demonstrated against the building of a hotel near Fisherman’s Huts and is now pleading again for controlled and responsible usage of the beaches, in line with the recommendations of Coastal Zone Management.
A demonstration is planned for Sunday, June 3rd from 10-11 AM at the Arashi Beach
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You can help make a difference and say NO! to over development of an already heavily developed beach front area. Make your voice heard by signing the petition at: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/No_to_Overbuilding_in_Aruba/index.html
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Visit our Aruba Bulletin Board for more on this topic: http://bb.visitaruba.com/showt...
and to join our ongoing conversation on this project.
