Author Archives: yuditera

Food Security on Curaçao

Last year I contributed to an assessment on building capacity in Curaçao’s agricultural sector: farming, livestock and fisheries. Here is what I took away from it. What is food security? According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic accessContinue reading “Food Security on Curaçao”

Ambacht in beeld – Festival di Fishi

This line is not for a pop star. This was 10 minutes before the opening of the first day of the Ambacht in beeld festival in the NSDM loods in Amsterdam Noord. I grew up in a house where not having done something before meant you could probably do it. (Yes, you can make twoContinue reading “Ambacht in beeld – Festival di Fishi”

Solastalgia

A while back I learned a few new words for the anxiety that climate change brings — a kind of distress people say hits younger generations especially hard. Words like eco-grief and eco-angst. But the one that hit me hardest was solastalgia. Sol·a·stal·gia (noun) Derived from nostalgia, solastalgia is a form of homesickness you getContinue reading “Solastalgia”

Over 1,000 Species in Four Days: Curaçao’s City Nature Challenge 2026

154 participants. 9,300+ observations. One island. Four days. Despite an island-wide drought putting extra pressure on local ecosystems, Curaçao’s second City Nature Challenge wrapped up with results that surprised even its organizers. From April 24–27, 154 participants grabbed their phones, headed outside, and collectively logged more than 9,300 nature observations via the free app iNaturalistContinue reading “Over 1,000 Species in Four Days: Curaçao’s City Nature Challenge 2026”

What We Brought With Us: Invasive Species and Island Life on Curaçao

Papiamentu below Living on an island shapes almost every aspect of life — including the plants and animals that surround us. Curaçao’s nature is often described as tough, dry, and resilient, shaped by drought, wind, and salty soils. Yet beneath that rugged appearance lies a surprisingly delicate ecological balance, one that has been profoundly influencedContinue reading “What We Brought With Us: Invasive Species and Island Life on Curaçao”

Paradise Under Pressure: Tourism, Environment, and the Hidden Costs of Growth in Curaçao

Sun-drenched beaches, turquoise waters, vibrant nightlife — Curaçao is often portrayed as a Caribbean success story. Tourism is booming, airport records are broken year after year, cruise ships line the harbor, and politicians proudly announce rising revenues. On paper, it looks like paradise is thriving. But beneath this glossy image lies a more complicated reality.Continue reading “Paradise Under Pressure: Tourism, Environment, and the Hidden Costs of Growth in Curaçao”

Results City Nature Challenge 2025

In April 2025, our small island Curaçao made its debut on the stage of the City Nature Challenge. A simple remark between two friends with modest ambitions turned into a movement that surpassed all expectations! This is yet another example of how a small idea can create a big wave of positive change. City NatureContinue reading “Results City Nature Challenge 2025”

Why I do what I do and why nature should matter to you too

Permaculture has a mantra regarding water: “Slow it, spread it, sink it”. When it rains, catch as much as you can, buffer it as long as you can and allow it to slowly enter the soil. In the last year I have learned so much more about sustainable food production practices, about how new financingContinue reading “Why I do what I do and why nature should matter to you too“