Baoase, after 14 years of coral destruction.
After 14 years of continued disregard for its social and environmental impacts, Baoase’s sudden attempt at greenwashing, is nothing short of offensive.
By CURACAO NATURE CONSERVATION
Willemstad, 9 September 2019
Greenwashing is the practice of making a misleading claim about the environmental benefits of a product, service, technology or company practice. Greenwashing can make a company appear to be more environmentally friendly than it really is.
Baoase has a long history of environmental destruction. The coral reef was completely razed by Baoase from 2004-2009. Construction of its breakwater and beach did not follow local laws and permit requirements either.
14 years of coral destruction doesn’t just go away. Baoase’s beach and breakwater was built over a perfectly healthy coral reef, including huge, healthy Elkhorn coral. Today– 14 years later, the reef is still struggling to recover all along Curaçao’s southern coast. Wide open spaces of dead coral line the coastline thanks to Baoase’s legacy.
While the intentions of environmental organizations like Coral Restoration Foundation Curaçao are great initiatives, Baoase’s is trying to wipe their hands clean of being the cause of the destruction in the first place.
Baoase’s general manager’s statement is appalling knowing the huge role they have played in Curaçao’s reef destruction over the years. The damage they have done to the reef was intentional, yet completely avoidable. It was a choice they made.
“We are proud that we, as Baoase Luxury Resort, can contribute to such a great cause as restoring the underwater flora. Coral is the essence of life in the ocean and restoring it, even if it is on such a small scale, can have a major impact. We hope that by participating in this project, more industry partners and indivuals will follow. It is a corporate responsibility to realize how important the ocean is.
Oliver Zahn General Manager – Baoase Luxury Resort.”
Baoase, where was this mentality when you were building your resort beach, breakwater, and resort walls illegally?
Baoase, 14 years later, and still the same… 💩