TCB, Cocari II and FuHiKuBo join forces to bring Bonaire’s heritage to life
KRALENDIJK – Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB), Fundashon Cocari II and Fundashon Historiko Kultural Boneriano (FuHiKuBo) have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening the history, cultural heritage and monuments of Bonaire within the island’s tourism development.
According to TCB, the collaboration reflects Bonaire’s commitment to high-quality, sustainable and small-scale tourism, with an emphasis on creating added value and meaningful experiences. Through this partnership, the three organisations commit to preserving, interpreting and bringing Bonairean heritage to life in a way that benefits residents, local entrepreneurs and visitors alike.
"The history and heritage of Bonaire belong first and foremost to our people. With this collaboration, we want to ensure not only that our stories are preserved, but also that people can experience, share and pass them on to others in an authentic and respectful way", said Elesiër Angel, director of Tourism Corporation Bonaire.
The collaboration focuses on four main areas: the development of authentic heritage experiences; strengthening the visibility and storytelling of Bonaire’s heritage; broadening knowledge and measuring its contribution to tourism; and engaging residents and young people through education, guide training, the Papiamentu language and local traditions.
Possible initiatives include heritage routes and experiences connected to Bonaire’s maritime history, to Rincon and to the island’s historic plantation houses. The partners are also exploring opportunities to link heritage to local gastronomy, crafts, hospitality and local entrepreneurship, so that more residents and businesses can benefit from tourism.
"Bonaire’s heritage, for Bonaire", said J. (Jan) de Vries, director of Fundashon Cocari II. "This collaboration makes it possible to connect conservation and adaptive reuse with education, local participation and authentic visitor experiences. For us, every project must meet the same criteria: does it create jobs and opportunities? Do the stories remain close to the people they belong to? And does the value stay on our island?"
"Telling history accurately and respectfully — with respect for our history, traditions and language — must form the foundation of every heritage initiative", said Bòi Antoin of FuHiKuBo. "This collaboration offers the people of Bonaire an important opportunity to remain the owners and custodians of their own history."
Joint working group
A joint working group will coordinate the collaboration and draw up an annual work programme with concrete priorities, responsibilities and timelines.
In addition, the parties will jointly explore funding opportunities for future projects and seek collaboration with government bodies, cultural organisations and other partners in the community.
