Blue Halo Curaçao is a partnership between the Government of Curacao and the Waitt Institute to develop and implement solutions for sustainable ocean management. In February 2015, the project partners signed a Memorandum of Understanding that launched Blue Halo Curaçao, a comprehensive ocean and coastal management project. Over a five-years period, the Blue Halo partners envision, create and implement a “Curaçao Sustainable Ocean Policy” that focuses on marine spatial planning, sanctuary zones, and fisheries regulations. The policy is based on scientific, social, and economic data, and engages stakeholders and the people of Curaçao.

Blue Halo Curaçao has 4 phases: (1) Assessments (2) Policy Design & Planning; (3) Implementation; and (4) On-going management by Curaçao (long-term). During the assessment phase, we map marine habitat, identify ocean uses, collect fisheries data, review existing laws and regulations that govern the ocean, and conduct extensive community consultations. We do so by partnering with a group of technical experts and scientists. The policy design and planning phase is dedicated to marine spatial planning, legal drafting and financial planning. Once the marine spatial plan and necessary laws are in place, we enter the third phase of policy implementation to build capacity for ocean management, compliance and enforcement. Phase 4 addresses the adaptive management of protected areas and fisheries through scientific monitoring, community engagement and capacity building. Throughout the initiative we engage stakeholders and the public through social media, and events.

Waitt Institute works closely with government staff and local non-profit organizations to transfer the knowledge and skills needed for effective ocean management. We support travel to conferences and trainings, bring international experts to project sites, and assist our partners in seeking external grant funding to strengthen ocean management. A data-sharing agreement is in place to ensure to data collected throughout the initiative.

Blue Halo Curaçao is led by the Government of Curaçao and the Waitt Institute. The Waitt Institute is a non-profit organization based in San Diego, California and was founded in 2005 by Ted Waitt (co-founder of Gateway, Inc.). The Institute partners with small-island governments to envision, create, and implement sustainable ocean policies. We are currently working through three partnerships in the Caribbean, Blue Halo Curaçao, Blue Halo Barbuda, and Blue Halo Montserrat and through the Vava’u Ocean Initiative in Tonga. Blue Halo Curacao partners with government departments, stakeholders, technical experts, and scientists. The Blue Ribbon Committee, a Government-appointed advisory group inclusive of representatives from key ministries, advises the initiative throughout the planning and implementation stages.

Government of Curaçao, Waitt Institute