Take care and protect our environment and natural resources during camping season.

ORANJESTAD – To preserve nature and the existing rules, the Department of Nature and Environment (DNM) encourages anyone planning to camp on the beach or in other locations to do so mindfully. 

DNM's appeal goes to all those who have received a permit to camp on our coasts to care for and protect our nature and environment by keeping it free of waste. This year's camping season starts on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at noon and ends on April 27, 2025.
What DNM wants to draw attention to is that the campsite is the habitat for plants and animals. These fall under the classification of 'natural resources.' This includes the sea, which is the habitat for marine species.

Campers are prohibited from engaging in illegal activities, such as taking down a tree or trees to make room for tents or shade. 

DNM reminds campers that it is against the law to:

  • Trim, cut, or destroy the mangrove trees, specifically those near the sea. They are essential for the protection of our coasts.
  • Disturb protected species such as sea turtles, owls, starfish, coral, seagrass, bushes, cacti, and reef bananas.
  • Touch the animals and cut trees.

The Aruba Police Force (KPA) oversees the camping permit, which is subject to conditions, such as leaving the site tidy as you found it.
The majority of its rules and regulations, which outline precisely what is and is not permitted, are related to statutes like the National Protection of Flora and Native Fauna, the National Ordinance and National Decree on Public Waters and Beaches, the General Police Regulation (APV), and the Nature Conservation Ordinance. 
The latter is the law that protects different local animals and plants. Other laws include the National Decree for Marine Parks, the National Decree for New Designation of Domain Lands as Nature Reserves, and the National Decree for Prohibition of environmentally harmful products. The latter refers to the ban on single-use plastic products and sunscreen products (cream or liquid) with the chemical oxybenzone that impacts our marine life, specifically our corals. All the laws mentioned are available on our website, dnmaruba.org.

It is up to each individual to care for and respect the site that is the habitat for plants and species. It should happen not only during camping season and Easter but all year round.
It allows us to enjoy our natural resources and leave them in good condition so that future generations can enjoy them.

DNM urges campers:

  • Do not remove the starfish from the sea or touch them because they suffocate and die;
  • Do not disturb turtles when they climb ashore to lay eggs.
  • Do not feed wild animals. The animals themselves search for food that is appropriate for them.
  • Throw all garbage in garbage cans and do not use full cans. Take your waste back home and dispose of it responsibly.
  • Do not use balloons outdoors, as they can fly and end up in the sea, thus causing damage to marine life and nature in general. This is also regulated in the APV art. art.55A.

DNM wishes everyone a pleasant camping season and trusts that our campers will take care of and protect Aruba's natural resources and the environment.

Respect our environment and natural resources during the camping season.