Drought, famine, deforestation, catastrophic wildfires, rising sea levels and toxic pollution are all consequences of an unsustainable global situation. Situated in the warm waters of the southern Caribbean, Aruba, a beautiful speck of powdery white paradise shaped by the sea, is fighting back by embracing sustainability. Sustainable tourism should make destinations better for people to live in as well as visit and Aruba is proof that this philosophy can succeed.
Whether looking to soak up the sun on a beautiful beach, take a jeep tour along a rugged coastline, or practice water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kitesurfing or kayaking, Aruba has everything one seeking a Caribbean experience could want. Blessed with natural beauty, wonderful weather and friendly locals, the island is clean and safe, peaceful and private, and offers amazing services.
The cornerstone of Aruba’s approach to life is the pursuit of happiness and wellbeing. It is striving to be the model for a low-carbon, sustainable and prosperous Caribbean economy. Aruba is on track to bring this vision to fruition. The government is promoting the use of renewable energy, most notably solar and wind energy. With more than 5,000 wind and 2,500 solar hours annually, Aruba has great potential for sustainable energy generation. Today, the island receives nearly 20% of its energy from clean power. Many hoteliers are focusing on sustainability and adopting energy efficient measures across their properties.
In 2017 all single-use plastic bags were banned from stores and restaurants. Paper bags and reusable bags are now the norm. The island is transitioning to a total single-use plastic and Styrofoam ban. The community is also introducing a ban on sunscreens that contain oxybenzone which is known to damage coral reefs.
Nearly 20% of Aruba is a designated National Park and home to many animal species and plant life. A small entrance fee goes towards the preservation of the park, educational programs and the care of animals which roam throughout the 7,900 acres.
On the surface, Aruba is paradise on Earth. Beautiful beaches, idyllic island views and unique culture are all here in abundance. However, climate change is a real threat. The island is likely to see lower rainfall, higher temperatures and a rise in sea levels over the next 80 years.
To decarbonize the island is one of the key pillars of the Aruban sustainable tourism effort. One initiative sees the ATA ( Aruba Tourism Authority) off-setting their aviation activity. Flights for journalists on hosted press trips and travel industry visitors on research visits will be off-set by KLM’s CO2ZERO compensation service. Financial contributions will go towards the “CO20L Tropical Mix” reforestation initiative in Panama where so far around 7.5 million trees have been planted.
Even with the many green-friendly endeavors that the Aruban community and tourism industry are making, sustainability is about constantly adapting and finding new ways to take care of the environment. Generating green energy, reducing waste and creating legislation to protect the island are just the beginning to ensuring the survival of a piece of earthly paradise 
