Eagle Beach, Aruba — November 12, 2025 — JOIA Aruba by Iberostar will host the next edition of the World Owl Conference 2026, scheduled to take place from September 6th to 10th 2026. This landmark event will mark the first time the international conference is held in the Caribbean.
The World Owl Conference (WOC) is a prestigious international forum that gathers leading scientists, conservationists, and educators to share research and advance global strategies for the protection of owl species. Since its first edition in 1987, the WOC has been held in cities such as Winnipeg (Canada), Canberra (Australia), Groningen (the Netherlands), Évora (Portugal), Pune (India), and La Crosse (Wisconsin, USA). In 2026, the event will arrive in the Caribbean for the first time, with Aruba set to welcome the world’s foremost owl experts and organizations.
JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, a 5-star hotel located in Eagle Beach, is part of Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, an international hospitality company committed to promoting a model of responsible tourism, with a strong focus on scientific collaboration and biodiversity protection within the destinations where it operates.
As part of this ongoing commitment, JOIA Aruba by Iberostar is an active member of the Shoco Supporting Community Conservation Agreement – a partnership with Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort and Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino for the support Aruba Birdlife Conservation (ABC)’s Shoco conservation project. This alliance promotes community-based conservation and education initiatives, such as the installation of artificial burrows in local schools, to engage Aruba’s youth and foster a deeper sense of environmental stewardship and pride in protecting the island’s national symbol.
The upcoming edition will place a special focus on island dwelling owls and the unique conservation challenges they face. Aruba’s beloved Shoco (Athene cunicularia arubensis), an endemic burrowing owl and a cherished national symbol, will play a central role in the program, highlighting the importance of habitat preservation and biodiversity protection on the island.
In preparation for this historic event, Aruba Birdlife Conservation (ABC) has appointed Mr. Jelte Kuipers as National Coordinator of the World Owl Conference 2026. A Dutch-born emergency physician who has spent nearly seven years working in Aruba, Mr. Kuipers is an active volunteer with ABC and a passionate advocate for bird and nature conservation. In his new role, he will oversee the local organization, coordinate with partners at both local and international levels, and ensure that Aruba delivers an exceptional conference experience.
Greg Peterson, speaking on behalf of Aruba Birdlife Conservation and the WOC 2026 Organizing Committee, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to host the event: “We feel humbled and proud that ABC has helped bring the World Owl Conference to Aruba. This gathering offers a remarkable opportunity to share knowledge, strengthen international collaboration, and raise awareness about the importance of protecting our Shoco and other vulnerable owl species around the world.”
Arnaud Le Lanchon, General Manager of Iberostar Aruba, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the event: “We are honored to welcome such a prestigious international conference and experts from around the world. Aruba’s natural heritage is unique and precious, and we are proud to contribute to global conservation efforts while showcasing the island’s beauty and biodiversity.”
The World Owl Conference 2026 at JOIA Aruba by Iberostar promises to be a milestone for scientific exchange, conservation advocacy, and sustainable tourism in the Caribbean, highlighting the island’s unique biodiversity and Iberostar’s ongoing commitment to responsible tourism.
For further information on the World Owl Conference, please contact the email: contact@worldowlconference.info
