Key Indicators
Coral reefs generate over
$445 million
Annually for tourism and fishing.
Curaçao's coral reefs remain among
the healthiest
in the Caribbean biodiversity hotspot
Curaçao is surrounded by
103 km2
total surface total surface of fringing reef
Curaçao – a hotspot for biodiversity business opportunities
Surrounded by a 103 km2 fringing reef, Curaçao hosts rich marine genetic resources, coastal biodiversity and ecosystems.
Curaçao’s marine bioresources serve as a thriving force to the island’s economy. Ocean-based industries like tourism, fisheries and maritime depend on the health and diversity of Curaçao’s marine resources.
Curaçao is set to capitalize on the attractiveness of its unique genetic and biochemical pool of marine biomes through collaboration projects among research institutions, university spin-offs and incubators, contract research organizations and contract manufacturing organizations.
Curaçao can take significant strides in the blue bioeconomy sector by exploring new valuable chemical compounds, genes and natural products that can lead to biotechnological and commercial applications and open new business opportunities for the island.
The Government of Curaçao is already engaged in untapping the vast potential of the sustainable blue economy through landmark initiatives with the goal to position the island as a leader in responsible marine resource management and technological innovation.
Curaçao forms part of the Caribbean Islands biodiversity hotspot, one of the most biologically rich centers for marine biodiversity and harbors one of the healthiest coral reef systems in the region.
Hyperlinks
CARMABI
The Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity (CARMABI) is a research organization in Curaçao that focuses on Marine and Terrestrial Research, Park Management, Nature and Environment Education and Consultancy. CARMABI currently manage five national parks:
- The Christoffel National Park; the largest national park of the island.
- Shete Boka National Park; an important Sea Turtle nesting area.
- The Curacao Rif Mangrove Park; a special city park that consists of Mangrove trees.
- The Curacao Marine Park; protecting the reef and conducting scientific marine research to make a difference in restoring Curaçao’s coral reef.
- National Park Rif St. Marie-Hermanus; CARMABI’s newest National Park that is currently being developed.
Investment Opportunities
Blue Halo Curaçao
Blue Halo Curaçao (BHC) is a flagship initiative supporting the sustainable management of Curaçao’s ocean and coastal waters. Within the framework of this initiative, the Government of Curaçao, in collaboration with the Waitt Institute, CARMABI, the Environmental Law Institute and many other collaborators, will develop a sustainable ocean policy that focuses on marine spatial planning (MSP), protected areas, fisheries regulations, research and education.
learn more
Island 2 Island Blue Economy partnership
The Government of Curaçao has engaged in an Island 2 Island cooperation strategy through which Curaçao can share and receive information and solutions, collaborate and support other islands. Curaçao is part of the United Nations Local 2030 Islands Network and participates in the Virtual Island Summit and network for the sharing of island-grown solutions with other islands in the fields of technology and sustainability.
learn more
The Deep Sea Water Industry project
The DSWI promises to give a tremendous spin-off for Curaçao. Cold, deep seawater of approximately 4°C–6°C at 800–1,000 metres in depth will be pumped to the shore and circulated in flowing systems to provide cooling, energy, water and food needs before the water is returned to the ocean.
learn more
PROTEUS™
PROTEUS™, the International Space Station of the Ocean, is the world’s most advanced, multi-purpose underwater habitat designed to drive innovation in the blue economy, amplify ocean storytelling and enable research to address pressing global issues. The modular, state-of-the-art station is accessible to public, corporate, academic, and non profit sectors as well as to private individuals.
learn more
CSA group
Bringing Norwegian aquaculture expertise to the Curacao coastline to create a prosperous and sustainable aquaculture industry for the benefit of Curacao's economy and welfare. CSA aims to produce 30,000 tons of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna annually within 7-10 years, generating direct employment opportunities for over 500 people and indirect employment opportunities for 1,000 people. CSA expects that the region will establish itself with a dominant role within the aquaculture industry.
learn more
