Carmabi Foundation -

Entering the 21st century, CARMABI underwent a physical and philosophical transformation. The old institute buildings, while charming, were becoming obsolete. Recognizing the global urgency of climate change, the foundation launched a massive renovation.

Assisting the local government in developing sustainable environmental policies. Pioneering Marine Research

This era forced CARMABI to evolve. They could no longer just "study" nature; they had to fight for it. They began advising the government on environmental legislation. They championed the creation of the Curacao Underwater Park , establishing protected zones where anchoring and fishing were restricted. This was a difficult battle, pitting conservation against economic development, but CARMABI’s scientific authority gave them the upper hand. carmabi foundation

The third pillar is . Perhaps the most important part of their modern story is the children. Through educational programs, CARMABI brings local schoolchildren to the coastline. They teach them that the coral is not just "rock," but a living animal. They teach them that the mangroves are nurseries for the fish they eat. They are raising a generation of islanders who define themselves not by the oil refinery, but by the nature that surrounds them.

In the early 1950s, the Caribbean island of Curaçao was a different world. It was a colonial society defined by the towering chimneys of the Isla oil refinery, which belched smoke into the trade winds. The economy was industrial, and the focus was on the black gold that fueled the world. The turquoise waters surrounding the island were seen merely as a highway for tankers or a convenient dumping ground. Entering the 21st century, CARMABI underwent a physical

Want to visit? Carmabi’s visitor center is open daily (except holidays). Check their official site for current hours, trail conditions, and tour reservations.

Here is the long story of the CARMABI Foundation. CARMABI cemented its global reputation.

During this time, CARMABI cemented its global reputation. It wasn't just a local foundation anymore; it became a hub for international universities like Stanford, UC Berkeley, and the University of Amsterdam. They initiated the "Coral Spawning" research, where scientists would dive at night during precise lunar phases to witness the miraculous release of eggs and sperm by the corals. This research became vital for global reef restoration efforts, providing the "seed" for reefs dying elsewhere in the world.

Founded to protect the unique biodiversity of the Dutch Caribbean, CARMABI fulfills its mission through four primary pillars: