Goal: Work with our partners to catalyze the creation of new marine protected areas (MPAs) in the Dutch Caribbean, spanning 34,327 km² of ocean by 2026

The Blue Nature Alliance is partnering with Blue Marine Foundation in collaboration with the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance to catalyze the protection of 34,327 km² of new ocean area. Since 2020, Blue Marine Foundation has established strong and trusting relationships with the Dutch and island governments, and the six park and conservation foundations across the islands. 

The six Dutch Caribbean islands include three municipalities of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Bonaire, Saba, and St. Eustatius) and three autonomous islands (Aruba, Curaçao, and St. Maarten), located in the Caribbean Sea. Whether a permanent home, or a stop-over point, the islands act as a haven for hundreds of species of fish, sharks, turtles, dolphins, whales, seabirds, and coral. In addition to marine life, the islands’ populations depend on the health of these reef ecosystems for food, tourism revenue, and economic opportunity. 

There is great interest in increasing and improving marine protection in the Dutch Caribbean – from the islands themselves and from the Dutch Government. In the coming years, stakeholder collaboration and local capacity building will be essential to realizing big wins for marine conservation in the region.  

In partnership with Blue Marine Foundation and local governments, communities, and organizations, the Alliance is supporting work to establish new MPA designations around Aruba and Curaçao and strengthen regional coordination across the six islands. Together, we seek to realize the region’s ambitions for the long-term protection of their incredible marine environments and unique biodiversity.