About Us – Ban Lanta y Planta

Ban Lanta y Planta is a grassroots initiative committed to restoring Aruba’s native tree cover. Through education, reforestation, and community involvement, we work to protect the island’s unique ecosystems. Together, we plant the future—one tree at a time.

OUR VISION is to (re)forest Aruba to create viable ecosystems for both local flora and fauna in which animals, plants and people can thrive in a sustainable way. It is aimed at improving the biomass by carbon absorption and sequestration and to enrich the biodiversity by rehabilitating the degraded fauna and flora.

Our mission is build on the 3 pillars of Reforestation, Awareness & Protection

Reforestation

To (re)forest Aruba for the people, animals and planet through planting of native trees

Awareness

To raise awareness for the need of conservation and generate support through education and outreach

Protection

To promote and campaign for the protection of trees

Our Partners

Our mission is made possible through the dedication of our valued partners—local organizations, experts, and volunteers who share our vision for a greener Aruba. Together, we combine knowledge, resources, and passion to restore and protect our island’s native ecosystems.

Aruba Conservation Foundation

Aruba Conservation Foundation (ACF) is an independent and not-for-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of Aruba’s rich and diverse natural ecosystems.

Knowledge base

The University of Aruba

The University of Aruba (UA) has engaged to support reforestation in Aruba as part of the sustainability agenda of the institute. By planting native trees and plants on the university grounds, the UA demonstrates its engagement for a green and sustainable Aruba.

Knowledge base
Reforestation

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort

Together with Bucuti & Tara we are transforming 12 hectares of private land into the Bucuti Tara – GMC Park, a protected nature preserve in Noord, safeguarding Aruba’s last undeveloped green space.

Reforestation

“To plant a trees is to give body and life to ones dreams of a better world” – Russel Page

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Our Board

President/Treasurer And Co-founder

Anita Aerts

Anita Aerts is a medical professional and nature lover with a great passion for nature conservation and animal welfare. Born in Belgium, she moved to Aruba in 1999. Living on the island for more than 20 years she developed a great love for the island and its nature. Concerned about the impacts of climate change, especially on small island states, she co-founded Ban Lanta y Planta that aims to restore the natural tree cover and Aruba’s delicate flora and fauna. Planting trees, protecting and restoring Aruba’s fauna and flora and at the same time taking positive climate action to fight

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board member / Co-founder

Yvonne Brouwers

Co-founder and board member Born in the Netherlands and moved to Aruba to work as a nurse in the local hospital. Always busy with growing native plants and trees, also fruit trees . Joined Ban Lanta y Planta in September 2020. She feels that to learn about the local diversity and its cultural use is amazing and she hopes we can help bring back the native endangered species with our united reforestation efforts

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Board member / Coordinator

Desirée Emerencia

After years of working in the fields of education, HR & social work and being an advocate for animal rights; sought to further enrich her life by involving herself in the rewilding of Aruba… and her bushy backyard. Joined Ban Lanta y Planta in 2022 with the wish to make an environmental difference for Aruba.