FPNA Charter and Purpose

Our Charter

The objectives of the Aruba National Park Foundation (FPNA) are anchored in its Articles of Association and define the scope and context of activities it undertakes to manage nature conservation areas within the sustainable development framework of the nation of Aruba. Among many more, some examples of these activities are the preservation, restoration and protection of valuable areas, seen from an environmental, geological, cultural, archeological and historical perspective. FPNA may also acquire privately held properties within its assigned conservation bounds. The Foundation not only undertakes area management- and conservation activities, but also engages in scientific research for the benefit of biodiversity. In addition, FPNA has an important role in inspiring and creating public awareness – schoolchildren in particular – of ecological values while promoting sustainability. Other objectives of FPNA are to contribute to the environmental and conservation policy of Aruba as well as to facilitate the enjoyment of nature and natural environments through sustainable recreation.

FPNA’s Object and Means

Article 2

The Foundation’s object is:

to manage nature conservation areas and/or natural parks. In this context, the Foundation’s object is also, within the framework of sustainable development of the Country and in conformity with the relevant legal provisions and policy objectives of the Country:

a. to preserve, protect, restore, develop, acquire, and obtain the management of areas that are valuable from the perspective of the natural environment and the areas and objects existing there that are valuable from the perspective of geology, culture, archeology or history, on the understanding that the acquisition by the Foundation of an area located in a nature conservation area or natural park is meant for transfer of this area to the Country;

b. to conduct scientific research or cause it to be conducted for the benefit of biodiversity, nature management, nature conservation, nature restoration, development of the natural environment, and knowledge development;

c. to inspire the population in general and school children in particular, as well as tourists, with regard to the nature reserves and their ecological values, and raising awareness with regard to the contributions they can make to promoting sustainable development;

d. to make a (scientific) contribution to the nature and environmental policy of the Country; and for the rest to do anything that may be useful to achieve the object set, all this in the broadest sense of the word.

Article 3

1. The Foundation will perform all activities that are necessary or useful in order to achieve the Foundation’s object by:

a. managing, protecting, restoring, and developing the nature conservation areas and/or natural parks within the framework of sustainable development and with a view to biodiversity;

b. buying or in any other way acquiring ownership or otherwise obtaining the management of areas that are valuable from the perspective of the natural environment, either on land or (also) under water, and any buildings, structures, and other technical works located there, on the understanding that the acquisition by the Foundation of an area located in a nature conservation area or natural park is meant for transfer of this area to the Country;

c. conducting scientific research or causing it to be conducted for the benefit of nature management, conservation, restoration, development, and knowledge development;

d. cooperation with organizations and persons that are active in the same area;

e. advising, on request or otherwise, on projects and developments that are directly or indirectly related to the natural environment;

f. organizing, supporting, and promoting educational activities and projects contributing to awareness of the necessity of sustainable development; and

g. any other legal means that may be useful to the objective.

2. In the pursuit of its object, the Foundation will also be responsible for the recreational function of a nature conservation area and/or natural park for the public in the form of opening, under strict conditions, demarcated sections of the nature conservation area and/or natural park for recreation, operating facilities for the sale of goods and consumer goods or cause them to be operated, and applying for and obtaining the necessary permits for this purpose, all this with due observance of the relevant legal provisions.

3. The Foundation will be responsible for a management plan, financial administration, and rules for permitted and prohibited behavior, if necessary for each nature conservation area and/or natural park individually.

View the full Articles of Association (in Dutch)

Our Mission

Our mission is:

To conserve Aruba’s natural and cultural heritage for all generations, while inspiring and engaging the local community and visitors to do the same.

Aruba’s flora, fauna, landscapes, ecological habitats and cultural-historic heritage are to be cherished, preserved and conserved because they are what makes Aruba unique and gives us our identity.

Our Vision

FPNA actively promotes a sustainable world, in which people live, work and recreate while diminishing our impact on nature and the environment.

FPNA champions an Aruba as leading in nature conservation and sustainability – not only regionally but also globally – and envisions FPNA playing a significant role herein.

Our Guiding Principles

Our guiding principles direct and steer our organization in all circumstances, irrespective of changes in our goals, strategies, type of work, or the top management. FPNA addresses local and regional environmental challenges, together with its partners, stakeholders and the community at large, using a unique interdisciplinary approach by:

Being a locally-oriented but globally-minded independent and non-political organization that seeks dialogue instead of confrontation.
Using the best available scientific information and practices to face challenges, deliver conservation objectives and effective long-term results, but also to critically evaluate all our own endeavors.
Addressing the challenges of conservation in an integrated, interdisciplinary and flexible manner that recognizes the full array of interactions within an ecosystem (including humans) and focus on an understanding of the root causes of ecosystem change and biodiversity loss.
Realizing effective conservation outcomes and developing concrete conservation solutions through a combination of field-based projects, policy initiatives and capacity building. Through the dedicated efforts of our diverse and qualified staff, all of whom are committed to impacting conservation in a positive way.
Applying advocacy, communication and education as an integral part of our conservation programs.
Involving the local community in the planning and execution of our field programs, respecting their cultural as well as economic needs.
Enhancing our effectiveness through the help of our many partners, from individuals and government to local and international non-profit organizations and corporations.
Running our operations in a cost-effective manner and apply donors’ funds according to the highest standards of accountability. Being efficient and effective in securing and managing the resources we need to deliver our conservation objectives.