Geography of Aruba

Aruba (the westernmost island among the ABC Islands and of the Leeward Antilles) is situated in a unique geological location, right at the boundary between the South American and Caribbean tectonic plates. It is located {{Convert|25|km|mi}} north of the Venezuela coast and {{Convert|68|km|mi}} northwest of Curaçao. Aruba covers a total area of {{convert|193|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=out}} and a coast line of {{convert|68.5|km|mi|abbr=out}}. This region is characterized by a complex fault system where the Caribbean Plate moves westward in relation to South America. Aruba is the westernmost island in the Aruba-La Blanquilla Chain, a series of small islands and atolls located along the Venezuelan continental border.{{Cite web |title=Geology map of Aruba {{!}} Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database |url=https://www.dcbd.nl/document/geology-map-aruba-0 |access-date=2023-10-02 |website=www.dcbd.nl}}

Aruba, as well as the rest of the ABC islands and also Trinidad and Tobago, lies on the continental shelf of South America, and is thus geologically considered to lie entirely in South America.{{Cite web |date=2018-09-05 |title=What Continent Is Aruba In? |url=https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-continent-is-aruba-in.html |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=WorldAtlas |language=en-US}}

The geography of Aruba is characterized by a relatively flat to gently rolling terrain with some low hills. The highest point on the island is Jamanota, reaching almost {{Convert|188|m|ft}} in elevation. There are three distinct types of landscapes on the island.

In the western part, features a gently sloping plain with shallow dry valleys. This area is flanked by a zone of horizontal bedded to slightly seaward-dipping limestone rocks on its western side. Moving towards the central part of the island, the terrain becomes more rugged. This region developed in the outcrop area of the metamorphosed volcanic rocks of the Aruba Lava Formation (ALF), and it features east-to-west running valleys controlled by faults. The ALF cover an area of approximately {{Convert|23.7|km2|sqmi}}.{{Cite web |date=2016-12-21 |title=Landscape Series No. 4: The suburbanization of the Aruban landscape – Central Bureau of Statistics |url=https://cbs.aw/wp/index.php/2016/12/21/landscape-series-no-4-the-suburbanization-of-the-aruban-landscape-2/ |access-date=2023-10-05 |language=en-US}} The southeastern part of Aruba is predominantly defined by Neogene and younger limestone formations. Along the eastern coast, near Boca Grandi and Seroe Colorado, well-developed Quaternary terraces can be observed. Forereef deposits line the south and southwestern coast between Ceru Colorado and the urban center of Oranjestad.

The arid landscape in Aruba is not solely a product of its climate but is also a consequence of extensive deforestation and exploitation during the Spanish colonization of the island.{{Cite book |last1=Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek Aruba |url=http://archive.org/details/BNA-DIG-RAPPORT-CBS-LANDSCAPE-2016-LS-02 |title=The history of resource exploitation in Aruba : Landscape series 2 |last2=Derix |first2=Ruud |date=2016 |publisher=Oranjestad: Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek}} Consequently, certain crops, such as aloe vera, thrive in this environment, due to the high calcium-rich soil known as liming.{{Cite book |last=Hartog |first=Johan |title=Aruba: Past and Present: from the time of the indians until today |publisher=D.J. De Wit |year=1961 |location=Oranjestad, Aruba |language=en |translator-last=Verleun |translator-first=J.A.}} As of 2022, Aruba only has 2.3% of forest-covered land area and only 0.5% of protected natural area.{{Cite journal |last1=Eppinga |first1=Maarten B. |last2=Mijts |first2=Eric N. |last3=Santos |first3=Maria J. |date=2022-07-01 |title=Ranking the sustainable development goals: perceived sustainability priorities in small island states |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-022-01100-7 |journal=Sustainability Science |language=en |volume=17 |issue=4 |pages=1537–1556 |bibcode=2022SuSc...17.1537E |doi=10.1007/s11625-022-01100-7 |issn=1862-4057 |s2cid=246683341 |hdl-access=free |hdl=1854/LU-8741920}} In Aruba forest cover is around 2% of the total land area, equivalent to 420 hectares (ha) of forest in 2020, which was unchanged from 1990. In 2020, naturally regenerating forest covered 420 hectares (ha) and planted forest covered 0 hectares (ha). Of the naturally regenerating forest 0% was reported to be primary forest (consisting of native tree species with no clearly visible indications of human activity) and around 0% of the forest area was found within protected areas.{{Cite book |url=https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/a6e225da-4a31-4e06-818d-ca3aeadfd635/content |title=Terms and Definitions FRA 2025 Forest Resources Assessment, Working Paper 194 |publisher=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |year=2023}}{{Cite web |title=Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020, Aruba |url=https://fra-data.fao.org/assessments/fra/2020/ABW/home/overview |website=Food Agriculture Organization of the United Nations}}

Aruba is predominantly characterized by its flat terrain. However, there are notable exceptions that add diversity to its landscape. Two well-known rock formations, the Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations.

In contrast, the northern coast of Aruba features a more hilly topography, particularly within the Arikok National Park. The island's highest point, Jamanota, stands at a modest elevation of {{convert|188|m|ft|abbr=on}} above sea level, while Arikok itself reaches {{convert|186|m|ft|abbr=on}}. Another prominent landmark, Hooiberg, rises to {{convert|165|m|ft|abbr=on}}. Despite not being the island's highest peak, Hooiberg appears as such due to its location in the flat surroundings. It is a recognizable feature that can be observed from nearly every point on the island.

{{Multiple images

| image1 = Rocky cliffs Aruba.jpg

| image2 = ARIKOK NATIONAL PARK - DAIMARI BAY - panoramio.jpg

| caption2 = Boca Daimari in Arikok National Park (2004)

| caption1 = Limestone marine terrace at the north coast of Aruba (2014)

| total_width = 400

| image3 = Lower-and-middle-terrace-Aruba.png

| caption3 = Emerged lower and middle terraces with partially submerged holocene coral reef

| image4 = BNA-DIG-MEINERS-0251 - Seroe Colorado, Lago Colony - De onstuimige noordkust 640400 c.jpg

| caption4 = Partially submerged holocene coral reef.

| perrow = 2/2/2

| image5 = Eagle Beach, Aruba 1.jpg

| caption5 = Limestone terrace on the southwestern coast, narrow platforms with less distinct backslopes

| image6 = Barrier Island, Oranjestad Harbor, Aruba.jpg

| caption6 = A section of the barrier reef of the coast of Oranjestad

}}

In stark contrast to the southern shores, Aruba's northern sea is typically characterized by rough waters with a deep blue hue, rocky terrain and consists mostly of wave-cut coral limestone terraces interspersed with small sandy coves referred to as boca in Papiamento, which translates to "mouth" in English. The marine terraces of Aruba are most prominent on their windward, or northeast, coasts. In these areas, some of the terraces exhibit wide platforms and steep, angular backslopes. Conversely, on the leeward, or southwest, sides of the islands, the terraces tend to have narrower platforms and gentler backslopes. On occasion, particularly on the southwest side of Aruba, the backslopes are less distinct.

The distinctive appearance of the wave-cut terraces is influenced by the islands' location within the arid region along the southern Caribbean coastline. Limestone, known for its resistance to the effects of arid climate weathering, has contributed to the remarkable preservation of these terraces. Although a light layer of xerophytic vegetation lightly covers their surfaces, the terraces remain excellently preserved.{{Cite journal |last=Alexander |first=Charles S. |year=1961 |title=THE MARINE TERRACES OF ARUBA, BONAIRE, AND CURAÇAO, NETHERLANDS ANTILLES |url=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-8306.1961.tb00370.x |journal=Annals of the Association of American Geographers |language=en |volume=51 |issue=1 |pages=102–123 |doi=10.1111/j.1467-8306.1961.tb00370.x |issn=0004-5608}}

Aruba has a barrier reef, it generally lies about {{Convert|400|yd|m}} offshore and extends along the southwest coast between Punta Brabo and Oranjestad. It is composed of coral and is capped by a beach ridge of coral fragments {{Convert|2|to|10|ft|m}} in height. On the seaward side, the reef extends to a depth of at least {{Convert|150|ft|m}}.

{{main|Geology of Aruba}}

The oldest geological unit visible on Aruba is the ALF, which comprises volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks of basaltic composition, with a thickness exceeding {{Convert|3000|m|ft}}. These rocks have undergone metamorphism due to the intrusion of the Aruba Batholith. The age of this formation is believed to be Turonian, supported by ammonite imprints found in conglomeratic mudstone.

The Aruba Batholith, which intruded the Aruba Lava Formation, primarily consists of hornblende tonalite. Pendants of quartz-norite to quartz-hornblende gabbro are present in the roof of the tonalite. Both the Aruba Lava Formation and the batholith are intersected by numerous dikes. The batholith's intrusion occurred around 85 to 90 million years ago, with subsequent reheating of the rocks between 73 and 67 Myr.

The limestone terraces are categorized based on their elevation, a feature commonly associated with slow uplifting active margins. The lower terrace, situated at an elevation of {{Convert|5|–|10|m|ft}}, has a range age of 30–129 thousand years (Kyr). In contrast, the middle terrace, located at {{Convert|15|–|25|m|ft}}, dates back up to 510 Kyr, indicating a slow (0.05 mm/yr) rate of tectonic uplift of Aruba.

Aruba was above sea level during the Oligocene epoch. However, Aruba later subsided beneath the sea level in the middle Miocene, as documented by the emergence of widespread elevated coastal limestone terraces. This geological history has left a distinct mark on Aruba's landscape and formation.{{Cite journal |last1=Hippolyte |first1=Jean-Claude |last2=Mann |first2=Paul |date=2011-01-01 |title=Neogene–Quaternary tectonic evolution of the Leeward Antilles islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) from fault kinematic analysis |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264817209001214 |journal=Marine and Petroleum Geology |series=Thematic Set on: Tectonics, basinal framework, and petroleum systems of eastern Venezuela, the Leeward Antilles, Trinidad and Tobago, and offshore areas |volume=28 |issue=1 |pages=259–277 |doi=10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2009.06.010 |issn=0264-8172}}

Introduced in the early 16th century, feral goats (Capra hircus) and donkeys pose a significant threat to Aruba's environments, causing both direct and indirect harm due to excessive grazing. This often leads to ecosystem deterioration and a decline in biodiversity.{{Cite journal |last1=Campbell |first1=Karl |last2=Donlan |first2=C. Josh |year=2005 |title=Feral Goat Eradications on Islands |url=https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2005.00228.x |journal=Conservation Biology |language=en |volume=19 |issue=5 |pages=1362–1374 |doi=10.1111/j.1523-1739.2005.00228.x |issn=0888-8892}}{{Cite web |last=Revkin |first=Andrew C. |date=2011-01-27 |title=Island Birds + Invading Boa = Trouble in Paradise |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/27/island-birds-invading-boa-trouble-in-paradise/ |access-date=2023-10-18 |website=Dot Earth Blog |language=en}} Despite their impact, these animals remain a local food source, with goat stew and soup being popular dishes in the region.{{Cite web |title=What To Do With Nonnative Goats At Aruba's Arikok National Park? |url=https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2016/10/what-do-nonnative-goats-arubas-arikok-national-park |access-date=2023-10-18 |website=www.nationalparkstraveler.org |language=en}} Arikok, spanning 20% of the country, is home to a substantial goat population. Recent research estimates the goat population at approximately 1,465 individuals by counting fresh pellets.{{Cite journal |last=Veerbeek |first=B. |year=2016 |title=The influence of goats on soil erosion and vegetation in Arikok National Park, Aruba |url=https://www.dcbd.nl/sites/default/files/documents/Veerbeek%2C%20B.%20%282016%29%20Goats%20Aruba%20impact.pdf |journal= |archive-date= |access-date=2023-10-18 |via=Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database (dcbd)}}File:Lionfish Animation Map 0.gif

The lionfish, originally from the Indo-Pacific, were introduced to the Atlantic Ocean in the mid-1980s. Their population has since grown significantly because they lack natural predators in their new environment.{{Cite web |title=Invasive Lionfish Portal |url=https://lionfish.gcfi.org/ |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=Invasive Lionfish Portal |language=en}} This unchecked growth has led to a decline in fish and crustacean populations, and even the health of coral reefs is suffering as herbivorous fish vanish.{{Cite journal |year=2019 |title=National Geographic Explorer, Pioneer/Trailblazer |url=https://media.nationalgeographic.org/assets/explorermag/pioneer/2019-03/teacher/MARCH_2019_TG_TRAIL_PIO.pdf |journal=National Geographic |volume=18 |issue=5 |page=8}} NOAA researchers confirm that invasive lionfish populations will keep increasing and can't be eradicated using conventional methods.{{Cite web |last=Fisheries |first=NOAA |date=2022-07-29 |title=Impacts of Invasive Lionfish {{!}} NOAA Fisheries |url=https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/ecosystems/impacts-invasive-lionfish |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=NOAA |language=en}}

Aruba LionFish Initiative (ALFI), a group of divers that regularly hunt invasive species, have taken the initiative to reduce the lionfish population in coastal areas by hunting them for food and crafting jewelry from their fins.{{Cite web |title=Seafood Restaurant Aruba {{!}} The LionFish Snack Aruba {{!}} The LionFish Invasion |url=https://thelionfishsnackaruba.com/the-lionfish/ |access-date=2023-10-17 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=DEFINE.DESIGN.DEVELOP |first=CR38TE- |date=2020-07-21 |title=Eat Them to Beat Them--Eat at LionFish Snack Aruba! |url=https://wheninaruba.com/blog/eat-them-to-beat-them-eat-at-lionfish-snack-aruba/ |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=When In Aruba |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/ArubaLionFish/ |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=www.facebook.com}}

In 1999, the initial boa constrictor was discovered in Aruba. Despite attempts to control their growth, a population covering the entire island had taken hold by 2005. Being an invasive species, their adaptable diet can potentially endanger many native populations.{{Cite web |title=Nature Today {{!}} Kronkelende kolonisten: het verhaal van de Boa-situatie op Aruba |trans-title=Unruly Colonists: The Story of the Boa Situation in Aruba |url=https://www.naturetoday.com/intl/nl/nature-reports/message/?msg=30572 |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=www.naturetoday.com |language=nl}} A 2021 study examined the stomach contents of more than 500 captured Aruban boas. The findings revealed over 400 distinct prey types, with an almost equal distribution among mammals, lizards, and birds. Remarkably, aside from the seven known bat species in Aruba, nearly every other type of vertebrate was found in the stomach contents analyzed.Reinert, H. K., Leto, A. E., Tumaliuan, J. A., Jackrel, S., Lutterschmidt, W. I., Bushar, L. M., & Odum, R. A. (2021). [https://www.herpconbio.org/Volume_16/Issue_1/Reinert_etal_2021.pdf A long-term dietary assessment of invasive Boa constrictor on Aruba.] Herpetological Conservation and Biology, 16(1), 211-224.

The Cane toad, also called Sapo locally,{{Cite web |date=2008-06-05 |title=Amphibien and Reptielen Benedenwindse eilanden |url=http://www.mina.vomil.an/Pubs/Buurt-AmphiReps2.html |access-date=2023-11-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080605114817/http://www.mina.vomil.an/Pubs/Buurt-AmphiReps2.html |archive-date=2008-06-05 }} is an invasive species with a detrimental impact on Aruba's fauna, such as the Dori (Pleurodema brachyops). However, the Aruban Cat-eyed Snake or Santanero (Leptodeira bakeri) preys on these toads and is considered a natural "pest control".{{Cite web |title=Nature Today {{!}} Inheemse slang bestrijdt invasieve kikker op Aruba |url=https://www.naturetoday.com/intl/nl/nature-reports/message/?msg=17498 |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=www.naturetoday.com |language=nl}}{{Cite book |last=Buurt |first=Gerard van |url=https://www.dcbd.nl/sites/default/files/documents/amphibieen%26reptielenbenedenw.pdf |title=De Amfibieën en Reptielen van Aruba, Curaçao en Bonaire |publisher=Drukkerij Haasbeek |year=2001 |publication-place=Alphen aan den Rijn |trans-title=The Amphibians and Reptiles of Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire}} Toads favor damp environments, including (irrigated) gardens of residential homes and tourist accommodations, such as hotels and resorts. However, toads are true survivors and can easily adapt to drier conditions, as found in the arid climate of the Caribbean islands.{{Cite web |title=Amfibieën van Aruba {{!}} Beautiful Aruba |url=https://www.beautiful-aruba.nl/natuur/fauna-amfibieen.php |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=www.beautiful-aruba.nl}}

In 2019, three new non-native reptiles have been discovered on Aruba, including Anolis gingivinus, Anolis cristatellus, Hemidactylus frenatus.{{Cite journal |last=Behm |first=Jocelyn E. |last2=Busala |first2=Gianna M. |last3=Helmus |first3=Matthew |date=2022-01-24 |title=First records of three new lizard species and a range expansion of a fourth lizard species introduced to Aruba |url=https://scholarshare.temple.edu/handle/20.500.12613/7485 |journal=BioInvasions Records |doi=10.34944/dspace/7463 |issn=2242-1300}} Anole and gecko species are often unintentionally introduced to Caribbean islands through the live plant trade, but can also be intentionally introduced as pets.{{Cite journal |date=2009 |editor-last=Kraus |editor-first=Fred |title=Alien Reptiles and Amphibians |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-8946-6 |journal=SpringerLink |language=en |doi=10.1007/978-1-4020-8946-6}} Similar to many non-native lizards in the Caribbean, these species often inhabit human-altered environments (anthropogenic habitats), and their impacts on Aruba's native species is not yet fully understood. Aruba has a recorded history of 10 previous introduction of non-native reptiles species, including two anoles, Anolis sagrei and A. porcatus, and four geckos, Gonatodes albogularis, G. antilensis, G. vittatus, and Hemidactylus mabouia.

File:Dividivi on aruba.jpg.]]

Aruba features a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen BSh) characterized by consistently warm temperatures throughout the year. There have been lasting environmental challenges linked to climate and nature. Sea water temperatures, for example, have gradually risen by at least {{convert|1.3|C-change}} since the 1950s.{{Cite journal |last=Peterson |first=Ryan R. |year=2023 |title=Over the Caribbean Top: Community Well-Being and Over-Tourism in Small Island Tourism Economies |journal=International Journal of Community Well-Being |language=en |volume=6 |issue=2 |pages=89–126 |doi=10.1007/s42413-020-00094-3 |issn=2524-5295 |pmc=7643527 |pmid=34723109}}

The rainy season typically occurs between September and January. However, it exhibits significant variability due to the strong influence of the Southern Oscillation.Dewar, Robert E. and Wallis, James R; ‘Geographical patterning of interannual rainfall variability in the tropics and near tropics: An L-moments approach’; in Journal of Climate, 12; pp. 3457-3466 During strong El Niño years like 1911/1912, 1930/1931, 1982/1983 and 1997/1998 annual (fiscal year) rainfall can plummet to as little as {{convert|150|mm|in|0|disp=or}}. In contrast, during La Niña years like 1933/1934, 1970/1971, 1988/1989, 1999/2000 or 2010/2011, rainfall can soar to as much as {{convert|1000|mm|in|0|disp=or}}. The highest monthly totals during these La Niña events can reach between {{convert|350|and|400|mm|in|0}}.

{{Weather box

| location = Oranjestad, Aruba (normals 1991-2020, extremes 1951-2020)

| metric first = yes

| single line = yes

| width = auto

| Jan record high C = 32.5

| Feb record high C = 33.0

| Mar record high C = 33.9

| Apr record high C = 34.4

| May record high C = 34.9

| Jun record high C = 35.2

| Jul record high C = 35.3

| Aug record high C = 36.1

| Sep record high C = 36.5

| Oct record high C = 35.4

| Nov record high C = 35.0

| Dec record high C = 34.8

| year record high C = 36.5

| Jan high C = 30.3

| Feb high C = 30.6

| Mar high C = 31.1

| Apr high C = 31.9

| May high C = 32.0

| Jun high C = 32.5

| Jul high C = 32.4

| Aug high C = 33.2

| Sep high C = 33.2

| Oct high C = 32.4

| Nov high C = 31.5

| Dec high C = 30.7

| year high C = 31.8

| Jan mean C = 27.0

| Feb mean C = 27.1

| Mar mean C = 27.4

| Apr mean C = 28.2

| May mean C = 28.7

| Jun mean C = 29.0

| Jul mean C = 28.9

| Aug mean C = 29.5

| Sep mean C = 29.6

| Oct mean C = 29.1

| Nov mean C = 28.4

| Dec mean C = 27.5

| year mean C = 28.4

| Jan low C = 24.8

| Feb low C = 24.8

| Mar low C = 25.3

| Apr low C = 26.0

| May low C = 26.7

| Jun low C = 26.9

| Jul low C = 26.7

| Aug low C = 27.2

| Sep low C = 27.3

| Oct low C = 26.7

| Nov low C = 26.0

| Dec low C = 25.3

| year low C = 26.1

| Jan record low C = 19.0

| Feb record low C = 20.6

| Mar record low C = 21.2

| Apr record low C = 21.5

| May record low C = 21.8

| Jun record low C = 22.7

| Jul record low C = 21.2

| Aug record low C = 21.3

| Sep record low C = 22.1

| Oct record low C = 21.9

| Nov record low C = 22.0

| Dec record low C = 20.5

| year record low C = 19.0

| rain colour = green

| Jan rain mm = 44.0

| Feb rain mm = 19.5

| Mar rain mm = 10.0

| Apr rain mm = 8.6

| May rain mm = 14.1

| Jun rain mm = 17.4

| Jul rain mm = 19.6

| Aug rain mm = 31.4

| Sep rain mm = 42.9

| Oct rain mm = 76.5

| Nov rain mm = 87.1

| Dec rain mm = 80.1

| year rain mm = 451.1

| Jan humidity = 77.8

| Feb humidity = 76.2

| Mar humidity = 75.9

| Apr humidity = 76.9

| May humidity = 77.9

| Jun humidity = 77.4

| Jul humidity = 77.8

| Aug humidity = 75.6

| Sep humidity = 76.2

| Oct humidity = 77.9

| Nov humidity = 78.8

| Dec humidity = 77.9

| year humidity = 77.2

| unit rain days = 1.0 mm

| Jan rain days = 10.8

| Feb rain days = 4.5

| Mar rain days = 2.0

| Apr rain days = 1.5

| May rain days = 1.7

| Jun rain days = 2.8

| Jul rain days = 4.1

| Aug rain days = 3.1

| Sep rain days = 3.3

| Oct rain days = 7.3

| Nov rain days = 9.6

| Dec rain days = 11.0

| year rain days = 61.7

| source = Departamento Meteorologico Aruba{{Cite web |title=Departamento Meteorologico Aruba - Climate Data |url=http://meteo.aw/climate.php |access-date=2023-10-02 |website=meteo.aw}}

| date = February 2011

| collapsed = Y

}}

The origins of over-tourism can be traced back to the 1970s and 1980s when people first expressed concerns about the possible negative effects on society and the environment due to uncontrolled tourism growth. These concerns also included the long-term economic consequences.

Environmental problems such as beach erosion, reef destruction, pollution, resource depletion, habitat loss, and the loss of natural beauty are significant forms of environmental damage. These issues can severely affect the small island tourism economy (SITES or SIDS). Aruba, recognized worldwide as the 'One Happy Island' and one of the most tourism-dependent small island economies, it offers valuable insights into the complex and ever-changing aspects of over-tourism, including the rise in economic inequality, environmental decline, social disparities, institutional issues.{{Cite web |title=SDG Aruba – Leave No One Behind |url=https://sdgaruba.com/pages/ |access-date=2023-10-03 |language=en-US}}

An illustration of institutional challenges arises from the scrutiny faced by the Aruban Ministry responsible for environmental affairs. Their involvement in disseminating misleading information about the environmental repercussions of an upcoming hotel project near Baby Beach has come under question. Despite an official press release asserting that the project would have no adverse effects on the environment, both the Environment Minister, {{Interlanguage link|Otmar Oduber|lt=Otmar Oduber|nl|Otmar Oduber}}, and the head of the development group, Enrique Martinón Garcia, acknowledged potential negative impacts during the hotel's groundbreaking event. This incident underscores concerns about the transparency and accuracy of information related to environmental policies and its communication to the public.{{Cite web |last=Henriquez |first=20 november 2019 {{!}} Sharina |date=2019-11-20 |title=Ministerie helpt hotelontwikkelaar Baby Beach met verspreiden milieu-leugen {{!}} Caribisch Netwerk |url=https://caribischnetwerk.ntr.nl/2019/11/20/ministerie-helpt-hotelontwikkelaar-baby-beach-met-verspreiden-milieu-leugen/ |access-date=2023-10-26 |website=caribischnetwerk.ntr.nl |language=nl-NL}}

The Arikok National Park Foundation (FPNA) oversees Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA). The KBA encompasses approximately 25% of Aruba's total surface area, these include Arikok National Park, Spaans Lagoen (Spanish Lagoon), marine park Aruba (MPA), and other designated terrestrial areas.{{Cite web |title=Aruba |url=https://dcnanature.org/aruba/ |access-date=2023-11-11 |website=DCNA |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Overheid |first=Aruba |date=2020-05-08 |title=Aruba begint met reactivering van de interne economie |url=https://secure.overheid.aw/actueel/nieuws_46856/item/aruba-begint-met-reactivering-van-de-interne-economie_49483.html |access-date=2023-11-11 |website=secure.overheid.aw |language=nl-NL}}{{Cite web |title=Management Plan Marine Park {{!}} Aruba National Park Foundation |url=https://www.arubanationalpark.org/main/management-plan-marine-park/ |access-date=2023-11-11 |language=en-US}}

{{Columns-list|

1. California Dunes
2. Saliña (salt flat) Tier del Sol
3. Saliña Malmok/ Saliña Serka
4. Saliña Palm Beach/ Plas The Mill Resort
5. Bubali Plas (pond)
6. Sero Teishi
7. Ramsar site: Spaans Lagoen and MPA Mangel Halto
8. Rooi Bringamosa
9. Rooi Taki
10. Rooi Manoonchi
11. MPA Oranjestad Reef Islands
12. Mangrove sites (Cay, Parkietenbos, Isla di Oro/Mangel Halto, Commandeursbaai)
13. Rooi Lamoenchi
14. Saliña Savaneta
15. MPA Seroe Colorado

}}

The chemical Oxybenzone in sunscreen products is banned due to its harmful effects on marine life and coral reefs when it enters the ocean. This ban is part of the "Choose Zero" concept law aimed at educating the community about the ban. Oxybenzone is commonly used in sunscreen, plastics, cosmetics, hair spray, and nail polish as a UV protector and stabilizer. While it helps protect the skin from UV rays, it also causes severe damage to corals and can lead to hormonal imbalances. The ban includes the import, sale, and distribution of single-use plastic products and Oxybenzone-containing products. Scientific studies have shown that Oxybenzone negatively impacts corals and marine biodiversity, and its presence in concentrated areas irreversibly affects coral conditions. The law's main objective is to prevent further damage to nature and the environment, promoting a healthier quality of life without single-use plastics and Oxybenzone-containing products.{{Cite web |last=Overheid |first=Aruba |date=2019-02-18 |title=Oxybenzone is killing corals and destroying marine biodiversity |url=https://www.government.aw/news/news_47033/item/oxybenzone-is-killing-corals-and-destroying-marine-biodiversity_40165.html |access-date=2023-10-02 |website=www.government.aw |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Sustainability in Aruba - Eco-Friendly Caribbean Vacation Travel {{!}} Aruba.com |url=https://www.aruba.com/us/our-island/island-facts/sustainability |access-date=2023-10-02 |website=www.aruba.com |language=en-us}}

Even though regional zoning and marine conservation plans were put in place in 2019, Aruba's natural habitats and marine environment have been without protection for over a century. This lack of protection dates back to the days of phosphate (Aruba Phosphate Company), gold (Aruba Gold Concessions), and oil refining industries (Lago Oil and Transport Company and Arend Petroleum Company) in the 1920s, and the subsequent growth of large-scale tourism and urbanization since the late 1970s.

Aruba is committed to safeguarding its natural environment through international and local regulations. The international treaty CITES, as well as Aruba's National Ordinance for the Protection of Native Flora and Fauna and the Sand Ordinance, strictly prohibit the removal or export of seashells, corals, and beach sand from the island.{{Cite web |last=Overheid |first=Aruba |date=2021-04-19 |title=Many tourists still leaving Aruba with seashells, corals, or beach sand |url=https://www.government.aw/news/news_47033/item/many-tourists-still-leaving-aruba-with-seashells-corals-or-beach-sand_56384.html |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=www.government.aw |language=en}}File:CoralSandAruba.jpgRecent increases in the confiscation of these items have raised concerns that local residents may be involved in illegal sales to tourists. Instead of collecting these items, it's advisable to take a picture as a souvenir, as the removal of seashells can have a significant impact on the environment.

Shells play a critical role in maintaining our ecosystem. They stabilize beaches, provide shelter for creatures like hermit crabs, offer hiding places for small fish, and serve as nesting material for shorebirds. As shells break down, they release essential nutrients for organisms in the sand and those forming their own shells. The ocean supports delicate ecosystems, and any disruption can have devastating consequences. Each shell has a unique ecological role.{{Cite web |last=Filiciana |first=Gloria |date=2023-02-14 |title=Leave seashells on the beach - Gloria Filiciana |url=https://www.gloriafiliciana.com/leave-seashells-on-the-beach/,%20https://www.gloriafiliciana.com/leave-seashells-on-the-beach/ |access-date=2023-10-25 |language=en-US}}

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Aruba's infrastructure, including the tourism sector, was developed without considering the potential impacts of light pollution on the ecological environment and human experiences.{{Cite web |last=Pinto |first=Juan Luis |date=2022-10-23 |title=Jairo Vrolijk, Space and Nature Aruba Foundation: "Houses, hotels, buildings were built without any thought to light pollution" - Aruba Today |url=https://www.arubatoday.com/jairo-vrolijk-space-and-nature-aruba-foundation-houses-hotels-buildings-were-built-without-any-thought-to-light-pollution/,%20https://www.arubatoday.com/jairo-vrolijk-space-and-nature-aruba-foundation-houses-hotels-buildings-were-built-without-any-thought-to-light-pollution/ |access-date=2023-10-31 |language=en-US}}

File:Leatherback Turtle eggs hatching at Eagle Beach, Aruba.jpg

All sea turtles species are endangered,{{Cite web |last=TeleAdmin |date=2019-04-11 |title=Turtle Season in Aruba {{!}} TurtugAruba |url=https://turtugaruba.org/turtle-season-in-aruba/ |access-date=2023-10-31 |language=en-US}} including Leatherback, Loggerhead, Green and the Hawksbill, which are nocturnal wild life on Aruba. Artificial lighting can deter adult females from nesting or disorient emerging hatchlings, causing them to venture inland where they risk dehydration or harm.{{Cite web |last=TeleAdmin |date=2019-04-11 |title=About Aruba Turtles {{!}} TurtugAruba |url=https://turtugaruba.org/about-aruba-turtles/ |access-date=2023-10-31 |language=en-US}}{{Cite journal |last1=Lusby |first1=Carolin |last2=Lasten |first2=Earney |year=2015 |title=Impacts of lodging facilities on the Leatherback turtles that nest in Aruba |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281033610 |journal=Consortium Journal of Hospitality Management}}

International Dark-Sky Association-Aruba, a non-profit organization, aims to safeguard dark skies from light pollution. Over the past decade, the closure of the San Nicolas refinery has enabled the recovery of flora and fauna, while reducing light pollution, making the night sky brighter. However, the preservation of ecosystems faces increasing challenges with the expansion of the tourism zone and the construction of a new hotel in the southeast part of the island, Seroe Colorado.{{Cite web |last=Pinto |first=Juan Luis |date=2023-04-28 |title=International Dark-Sky Association-Aruba asks to keep an eye out for light contamination at Sero Colorado - Aruba Today |url=https://www.arubatoday.com/international-dark-sky-association-aruba-asks-to-keep-an-eye-out-for-light-contamination-at-sero-colorado/,%20https://www.arubatoday.com/international-dark-sky-association-aruba-asks-to-keep-an-eye-out-for-light-contamination-at-sero-colorado/ |access-date=2023-10-31 |language=en-US}}

Over-tourism in Aruba is influenced by several key factors:

1. Tourism ecological stress: This factor highlights the environmental impact of tourism. As tourism intensity and density increase, ecological pressure accelerates after crossing a critical threshold.
2. Tourism supply chain: It considers the impact of increased airlift, accommodations (lodging), and labor on over-tourism.
3. Tourism architectural style: This aspect examines the concentration and design of cruise and accommodation infrastructures in specific geographic areas or coastal zones.
4. Tourism export specialization: Involves the export of tourism-related goods and services, including investments, earnings, revenues, and promotional activities.
5. International tourism market diversity: A diverse tourism market is inversely related to over-tourism, meaning that greater market diversity is associated with less intense over-tourism.

Implications to reduce over-tourism:

• Aruba's economic and environmental policy must consider tourism as an indicator for its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
• Conserve its scarce and fragile natural resources by limiting over-tourism and accommodation infrastructure (e.g., hotel rooms, timeshare rooms, condominiums, and guest houses).
• Political economy is often marked by social exclusion and extraction rather than social inclusion and regeneration: de-marginalization and safeguarding of community well-being and agency by transitioning towards community-driven policy and development.
• Ecotourism should benefit the environment and the local community. Despite the publicized commitment to becoming a sustainable tourism destination, the actual political agendas in place prioritize the sustaining of a tourism industry. This emphasis has overshadowed social rights and responsibilities, effectively diminishing the role of government and civic organizations in governing for the overall well-being of society, both in the present and for the future.
• Increase tourism market diversification
• Focus on long-term sustainable tourism by reducing bias towards short-term tourism promotion, expansion, and growth.

Over-tourism is a complicated issue, but it essentially boils down to a lack of responsible tourism management and policies by both public and private entities. This problem is exacerbated by the exclusion of local communities and civic society from important tourism decisions and developments. As a result, tourism has expanded without proper oversight, leading to various negative consequences.

{{See also|Culture of Aruba}}File:Aruba2021OSM.png

Aruba is a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with the largest settlement being Oranjestad, with a population of 28,372 (2020).{{Cite web |date=2020-06-09 |title=Households and number of persons by type and location of the living quarters, 2020 – Central Bureau of Statistics |url=https://cbs.aw/wp/index.php/2020/06/09/table-16-2-households-and-number-of-persons-by-type-and-location-of-the-living-quarters-2019/ |access-date=2023-10-04 |language=en-US}} Starting from the 1960s, Aruba's population grew significantly because of two main factors: the arrival of workers for the oil refining industry and later, the tourism industry. It's estimated that at least 45% of the population in Aruba was born in another country.

According to the Geographical Address Classification Aruba (GAC), developed by the Central Bureau of Statistics Aruba (CBS), this classification system has three levels, region, zone, and street/bario. Aruba is divided into eight regions and 55 zones:{{Cite web |date=2020-12-03 |title=GAC (Geographical Address Classification) 2019 and 2020 – Central Bureau of Statistics |url=https://cbs.aw/wp/index.php/2020/12/03/gac-geographical-address-classification-2019/ |access-date=2023-10-05 |language=en-US}}

1. Noord/Tanki Leendert
2. Oranjestad West
3. Oranjestad East
4. Paradera
5. Santa Cruz
6. Savaneta
7. San Nicolas North
8. San Nicolas South

According to the 2020 Census, 43.2% of Aruba's total population exclusively speaks Papiamento in their households. Among Aruba's 8 regions, 5 have over 50% of the population using only Papiamento at home, with Oranjestad East having the highest percentage at 56.6%, and San Nicolas South the lowest at 23.4%. Additionally, the Census indicates that 18.9% of the population reported Papiamento and Spanish as the two primary languages spoken in their households. In the regions Noord/Tanki Leendert and Oranjestad East, one in four persons speaks Papiamento and Spanish in the household, while San Nicolas North has the lowest percentage at 8.9%.{{Cite web |last=Aruba |first=Central Bureau of Statistics |date=2023-03-30 |title=Mapping Census 2020: Social Demographic Diversity in Aruba 3 |url=https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ce724b72bba84baaa0e62be71a346973 |access-date=2023-10-07 |website=ArcGIS StoryMaps |language=en}}

Census data also reveals that 9.4% of the population indicated that Papiamento and English were the two mostly spoken languages in the household. San Nicolas South and San Nicolas North are the 2 regions with the highest percentages of the population that speak Papiamento and English in the household at 28.7% and 12.3%, respectively. Papiamento and English are least spoken in households of persons living in the region of Santa Cruz (4.6%).

Additionally, the Census shows that 6.8% of Aruba's population speaks Papiamento and Dutch in their households. In all 8 regions, the percentage of the population that speaks these two languages at home is below 10%, with San Nicolas North having the lowest percentage at 1.5%.

Finally, the results of the 2020 Census revealed that in 18.6% of Aruba's households, Papiamento is not one of the two most spoken languages. At a regional level, nearly one third of the population in San Nicolas South (30.6%) indicated that Papiamento is not one of the two most spoken languages in their household. Conversely, in Paradera, the percentage of the population indicating that Papiamento is not one of the two most spoken languages in their household is the lowest at 11.6%. In total, in Paradera, 85.2% of the population speaks Papiamento at home, either exclusively or in combination with another language.

Currently, Aruba has a tourism intensity of 17 visitors per capita, marking a 5.6 increase since 1995. The island also experiences high tourism density, with over 10,000 visitors per square kilometer.

File:Hotel zone Aruba.jpg

Most of Aruba's tourism facilities are concentrated along the northwest coastline, with approximately 860 rooms per square kilometer. This represents a significant 103% growth in less than two decades. While Aruba is a small island, there were relatively few large-scale tourism activities and infrastructure developments in other geographical areas from 1995 to 2019.

The designated tourism zone, established in the late 1980s, covers about 16% of the island's total land area. Currently, there are around 14,000 accommodation units, including hotels, timeshares, condominiums, villas, guesthouses, and rental apartments. Accommodation growth was primarily driven by hotels and timeshares until the early 2000s. However, in the last decade, the construction of condominiums, guesthouses, and rental apartments has increased by 51%, adding to existing infrastructural pressures and coastal resort density levels.

Locals are concerned about the impact of the growing number of tourism-focused properties and accommodations on Aruba's fragile infrastructure and ecological environment. In the bustling Palm Beach on the west coast, there will be 4,000 more accommodations, including a new hotel near the Bubali Plas nature reserve, St. Regis Hotel, Embassy Suites, Hyatt Place Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel, and boutique hotels in Port City, Oranjestad. Turning to the untouched east coast of the island, plans include the Secrets Aruba all-inclusive hotel with 600 rooms and a second hotel with 300 rooms. Additionally, there are two boutique hotels in the pipeline, each featuring 40 rooms.{{Cite web |last=Dobson |first=Jim |title=The Future Of Aruba: How The Tiny Caribbean Island Is Bracing For Major New Hotel Development |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2020/02/15/the-future-of-aruba-how-the-tiny-caribbean-island-is-bracing-for-major-new-hotel-development/ |access-date=2023-10-26 |website=Forbes |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Henriquez |first=2 juli 2019 {{!}} Sharina |date=2019-07-02 |title=Hotels bij Baby Beach betekent wél einde van beschermd kustgebied {{!}} Caribisch Netwerk |url=https://caribischnetwerk.ntr.nl/2019/07/02/hotels-bij-baby-beach-betekent-wel-einde-van-beschermd-kustgebied/ |access-date=2023-10-26 |website=caribischnetwerk.ntr.nl |language=nl-NL}}

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category|Geography of Aruba}}

• {{wikiatlas|Aruba}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20040504070103/http://www.arubatravelinfo.com/maps/arubamap.gif Map of Aruba]
• {{YouTube|id=j6S194Q7bqQ|title=Hunting Lionfish Aruba back to the cave at Boca Budui}}

{{Aruba topics}}

{{Geography of North America}}

Category:Leeward Islands (Caribbean)