The impact we have on our sea is significant. It’s not just about the direct impact when entering the sea or engaging in activities within it, but also the indirect impact such as climate change, and the pollution that humans create on land which then enters our seas.
There are different ways in which we, as humans, have a significant impact on the sea without even being aware of it, and we can do something to safeguard it. That’s why it is very important for each of us in Aruba to become aware of our nature so that we know more about what we can do and make changes for future generations. These are the words of Sietske van der Wal, Conservation Education Manager and Marine Park Manager at the Aruba National Park Foundation.
She says that a person doesn’t have to enter the sea to have an impact on it, and because of this, our sea has already suffered a lot. This applies to Aruba, but globally, the same problems that Aruba faces are present. According to Sietske van der Wal, for these reasons, it is important not only to think about protecting what we already have but also to include restoration and rehabilitation to continue conservation efforts. Once there is biodiversity, the system becomes much more resilient to any other impacts that come from climate change, and Aruba can survive that.
“We, as humans, depend on our sea, whether you enter it or not, whether you eat fish or not, humans make a difference and depend on the sea. It’s important that we become much more aware of this part. Even rainfall depends on our sea, the temperature we feel depends on the sea. For example, in recent days, we can feel the temperature rising in Aruba, and these are signs that something is not going well and something is changing. Although many of us do not realize this, a part of our sea is changing, and we need to do our part to help conserve nature.”
