Original Article via the Curaçao Chronicle - March 18, 2025

A major cleanup effort at Playa Piskadó, organized by GO WEST Diving in collaboration with local environmental advocate Kunuku Man, resulted in the removal of nearly 240 kilograms of trash. The event, which included both underwater and land-based cleanup teams, saw around 30 volunteers working together to improve the conditions of this popular beach and dive site. 

GO WEST Diving provided free diving tanks for volunteers to clear debris beneath the water, while Kunuku Man led a team on land focusing on the entrance road to Playa Piskadó and the parking lot above. The effort highlights the ongoing issue of pollution in the area, raising concerns that, without continued intervention, the trash problem could return within months. 

To celebrate the successful cleanup, several sponsors contributed to the event. Restaurant Playa Forti provided a large pot of fish soup, while DeliNova sponsored meat for a BBQ. Kunuku-man also contributed drinks, snacks, and even a cake in honor of his birthday, adding a festive touch to the initiative. 

Despite the progress made, organizers emphasized that more needs to be done to maintain Playa Piskadó as a pristine tourist destination. The accumulation of waste remains a persistent issue, and local businesses, particularly the restaurants and vendors operating in the area, are being urged to take greater responsibility in preserving the environment. 

The cleanup effort also brought renewed attention to another ongoing concern at Playa Piskado: the harassment of sea turtles. A petition launched weeks ago aimed at stopping the irresponsible feeding and mistreatment of turtles has struggled to gain enough signatures to be presented to the government. While this issue was not the primary focus of the cleanup, it underscores the broader environmental challenges facing the beach. 

Playa Piskadó remains a key attraction for both locals and tourists, but without sustained action, its natural beauty and ecological integrity are at risk. Thanks to GO WEST Diving and its volunteers, the area is now in better condition, but long-term solutions and greater community involvement will be necessary to keep it that way.

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The Curaçao Community Must Unite
We desperately need the support of the local Curaçao community, conservation groups, and the scuba diving and snorkeling operators. You, as community members and stakeholders, have a direct role to play in influencing change. We urge dive shops, tour operators, and conservation organizations to speak out, educate visitors, and advocate for responsible wildlife interactions.

• How You Can Make a Difference: Sign the Petition – If you haven’t already, please add your name to the petition. Every signature brings us closer to our goal of 30,000.
• Share Widely – Spread the word to friends, family, and colleagues. Post about it on social media, talk about it in your community, and encourage others to take action.
• Advocate for Responsible Tourism – If you are part of the diving or snorkeling industry in Curaçao, make conservation a priority.
• Commit to a CODE OF CONDUCT. Then educate guests and strongly discourage irresponsible behavior around marine life.
• Call for Government Action – Let local authorities know that this is a serious issue that requires immediate intervention.

The Land and Sea Are Interconnected – We Must Protect Them Together
Curaçao’s natural beauty, both on land and beneath the waves, is what makes our island special. But without responsible stewardship, we risk losing it. The well-being of sea turtles is a reflection of the health of our oceans, and when we protect them, we protect our entire ecosystem.

The battle to preserve Playa Piskadó is about more than just sea turtles—it is about our responsibility as caretakers of this planet. Let’s not be the generation that stood by and watched our environment deteriorate. Instead, let’s be the voices that demand respect, responsibility, and real action.

Please take a moment to sign and share the petition today. Together, we can ensure that Playa Piskadó remains a sanctuary for sea turtles, not a place of exploitation.

Thank you for your support and dedication to protecting Curaçao’s natural heritage.