The Bucuti Tara – GMC Park
As the custodians of Aruba’s native greenery, we at Ban Lanta y Planta have always believed that planting a tree is planting a future. Today, that future has taken root in an extraordinary way. With immense gratitude and pride, we are honored to be managing the newly dedicated Bucuti Tara – GMC Park, a protected 12-hectare (30-acre) nature preserve in Noord—the very heart of Aruba’s most bustling tourism corridor.
Aruba’s Last Green Lung in Noord
On an island where green space is rapidly vanishing under concrete and construction, this untouched land—Aruba’s last undeveloped private terrain in Noord—could easily have been transformed into resorts or restaurants. But thanks to the vision and generosity of Ewald Biemans and Grete Marie Case, and the strong support of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, this precious land will now be preserved forever.
This is more than just a park. It is a statement.
It is a commitment to putting nature first, and a reminder that Aruba’s natural heritage is not a luxury—it’s a legacy.
Walking the Talk on Sustainability
This initiative aligns perfectly with the 35th anniversary of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, the Caribbean’s most eco-certified hotel. Ewald Biemans, a pioneer in sustainable tourism, has spent decades weaving environmental responsibility into every part of his work—from launching green hotel certifications to mentoring the next generation of EcoKids.
Now, the creation of this park serves as a living tribute to that legacy, and a pledge to Aruba’s future.
As Mr. Biemans puts it:
“Our milestone anniversary gives us an opportunity to recognize 35 years of positive impact to Aruba’s people and economy, and we wish to continue that by reforesting the area with indigenous trees in celebration for future generations to enjoy.”
A Reforestation Movement for the People
Ban Lanta y Planta was born out of concern: old photos compared with today’s landscapes showed how much green we had lost to development and deforestation. Since 2019, we’ve worked to reverse that trend by planting indigenous trees and restoring the island’s native ecosystems.
Now, with Bucuti Tara – GMC Park, we have a living canvas on which to carry out our mission.
Together with community volunteers, local schools, scientists, and passionate nature lovers, we will begin the reforestation of this area—bringing back Aruba’s native trees, inviting back its birds and pollinators, and healing the land with every seed we plant. Species such as the Wayaca, Dividivi, and Kwihi will return home, anchoring the soil and offering refuge to Aruba’s 280+ bird species including the Wara Wara, Shoco, and Prikichi.
