‘Turning the Tide’ is crossing oceans: documentary to screen at the United Nations Ocean Conference

From island shores to international screens, this moment marks a proud moment for Aruba as local conservation efforts makes waves at UNOC 2025

ORANJESTAD, ARUBA – 11 JUNE 2025 – ‘Turning the Tide’, Aruba’s first-of-its-kind nature restoration documentary showcasing Aruba’s mangrove and coral restoration efforts as part of a pilot Project funded by the EU RESEMBID Programme, is making waves internationally. The documentary will be featured at this week’s 2025 United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC) as part of a special Green Zone side-event on June 12th, held at the Palais des Congrès de Nice.

This marks an incredible milestone, not only for the project partners Aruba Conservation Foundation, ScubbleBubbles Foundation, University of Aruba and Wageningen University & Research, but for the community of Aruba. With its diverse ecosystems, rich biodiversity, resilient communities and dedicated conservationists, Aruba will be front and center at one of the world’s most important platforms for ocean advocacy.

Hosted in the Nautilus Auditorium with a capacity of 200 people, the event will run from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM and will include a screening of the documentary followed by a 30-minute live discussion. Representing all project partners and serving as a key voice will be Rene Henkens of Wageningen University & Research, who will be representing Aruba Conservation Foundation and the full collaborative team. The Green Zone is open to conference goers, welcoming citizens, youth, civil society, and authorities alike – a real reflection of the collaborative spirit at the heart of this pilot project that brought the community of Aruba together, for nature.

Produced in Aruba, for Aruba, ‘Turning the Tide’ documents the restoration of Aruba’s mangroves and coral reefs over a 16-month period. From digging silt traps to deploying artificial reef structures in Marine Protected Areas (MPA), the documentary highlights both the complexity and the beauty of restoring nature.

In addition to the UNOC screening, the documentary will be showcased at a VIP event at Cinéma Variétés, offering high-level visibility among global ocean leaders.

This opportunity marks a historic moment: Aruba’s story is going global. The screening at UNOC is a testament to how small island nations can contribute to global ocean resilience. Arubans should be immensely proud as this is not just a documentary; it’s the island’s voice, the island’s nature and the island’s future.

To celebrate World Oceans Day, ‘Turning the Tide’ was also made available to the global public via ACF’s YouTube channel on June 8th, inviting everyone to witness a diverse and deeply commited group of islanders, united in the incredible journey to restoring nature in Aruba.

Watch now: https://bit.ly/43E6tI7

For more information, contact: info@acf.aw.