Early Saturday morning, in a symbolic act at Arikok National Park, Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig from Denmark, accompanied by Prime Minister Mike Eman, planted a native Calbas tree as part of Aruba’s ambitious national reforestation plan.
Natasha Silva of the Aruba Conservation Foundation (ACF) explained that the Calbas tree is one of 70 native species in Aruba. Restoring Aruba’s vegetation requires planting specific trees in specific areas to create ecological balance. Each native tree plays a role in maintaining the surrounding ecosystem, and each one supports the existence of others.
Reforestation is crucial for Aruba’s ecological future. With the introduction of native plants, the government aims to restore the natural landscape, strengthen biodiversity, prevent erosion, and create a more resilient and sustainable environment. Reforestation is also a vital step in combating climate change and helps protect our natural resources for future generations.
The presence of Miss Universe brings significant international attention to the effort, emphasizing that the fight for environmental protection transcends borders. The symbolic act demonstrates how a shared goal can unite people and strengthen the force for sustainability and the honoring of our natural world.
The national reforestation plan will be an intensive effort, with a civic call to the community, NGOs, businesses, schools, and tourists to take part in rescuing our ecosystem. Accelerated development over recent decades has cost 70% of Aruba’s vegetation, and now is the time to act and change course.
Tyson Lopez, director of ACF, went into more detail about how Aruba’s ecosystems are interconnected and the important conservation work the Aruba Conservation Foundation is doing.
The presence of Miss Universe brings significant international attention to the effort and underscores that the fight to protect our environment transcends borders. The symbolic act highlights how a shared goal can unite people and strengthen the push for sustainability and honoring our natural environment.
