From the desk of Leo Stemper
Founder, Aruba Recycling & Community Outreach 📧 [email protected] | 📞 +297 630 538

by Tony Slavin

Trees for Aruba (Ban Lanta y Planta) – Growing a Greener Island Together
Ban Lanta y Planta—literally "Rise Up and Plant"—has been Aruba's grassroots re-forestation movement since December 2020. Our mission is simple but urgent: plant 10,000 native trees and shrubs across the island to restore biodiversity, capture carbon, create shade, and safeguard soil. Thanks to hundreds of volunteers, more than 1,200 indigenous saplings are already in the ground at beaches, schoolyards, and public parks.
10,000
Native Trees Goal
Our target for island reforestation
1,200+
Trees Planted
Indigenous saplings already in the ground
6,500
Tonnes of COâ‚‚
Carbon to be captured by mature trees
How We Work
Why Native Trees Matter on Aruba
Biodiversity bounce-back
Native flowers feed endemic birds and pollinators.
Cooler micro-climates
Shade trees lower surface temperatures up to 10 °C on sizzling afternoons.
Carbon sponge
10,000 mature trees will lock away an estimated 6,500 tonnes of COâ‚‚ over their lifetimes.
Coastal defense
Deep roots reduce wind erosion and anchor dunes around Eagle and Arashi Beaches aruba.comvisitaruba.com.
Current Volunteer Needs
Greenhouse crew
Mon/Wed/Fri 07:00–09:00 (watering & weeding)
Saturday field team
07:30–10:30 (planting & trail upkeep)
Board & support roles
Volunteer coordination, finance, social-media storytelling, grant writing, GIS mapping
Whether you can spare two hours a week or lend specialized skills, there is a place for you in the forest.
Partner, Sponsor, or Donate
Corporate "Green Days"
Organize a team-building activity that makes a lasting impact on Aruba's environment while promoting your company's commitment to sustainability.
School Service Projects
Engage students in hands-on environmental education while contributing to the island's reforestation efforts.
Memorial Tree Gifts
Honor loved ones with a living legacy that benefits the entire island community for generations to come.
Ban Lanta y Planta is a registered non-profit foundation (KvK S 1846.0). Corporate "green days," school service projects, and memorial tree gifts are welcome. Monetary donations fund water lines, soil amendments, and seed-collection expeditions into the cunucu.
Ready to Dig In?
Contact Us
Email me directly at [email protected] to learn more about our upcoming projects and how you can get involved.
Show Up
Just show up at the nursery gate on a Saturday morning with sunblock, a refillable bottle, and sturdy shoes.
Make an Impact
Together we'll turn Aruba a deeper shade of green—one sapling, one micro-forest at a time.