Aruba National Trust: A new chapter

We are proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone: Stichting Rancho in Aruba has officially become Aruba National Trust, marking a new era in leadership, heritage protection and community empowerment on the island.

This transformation is the culmination of years of collaboration with INTO. Clifford Rosa, President of Stichting Rancho, first joined the INTO family at INTO Bermuda 2019. He later participated in our inaugural INTO Incubator programme in 2020, which explores how the National Trust model can be adapted to different cultural and geographic contexts. Through workshops, strategic planning and peer learning, the programme equips participants with tools to grow sustainable, community-rooted heritage organisations.

Clifford also took part in the INTO Heritage Leaders online programme, and has remained a committed and engaged member of our network – regularly collaborating on outreach, capacity building and advocacy.

Most recently, he invited Catherine Leonard, INTO Secretary-General, to speak at a national forum in Aruba, where she delivered a virtual address under the theme of “Heritage, History and Healing Aruba’s Future.”

The event marked the 15th anniversary of Stichting Rancho and its transition into a National Trust.  It was opened by Mike Eman, the Prime Minister of Aruba.

The Prime Minister praised the resilience of the Aruban people, highlighting Rancho’s historic role in shaping the island’s identity. Through the story of fisherman Boei Orman, he underscored the power of unity and the need to preserve Aruba’s heritage in the face of modern challenges. The event concluded with symbolic gestures of recognition and unity, including the presentation of a traditional Riohacha hat.

In her remarks, Catherine celebrated the spirit of collaboration that defines the INTO network:

“We are stronger when we work together. INTO is an ecosystem of international connections – a family. We deliver programmes, projects and activities that help build sustainable, confident and empowered organisations around the world.”

She also shared practical advice from INTO members around the globe, emphasising the importance of community involvement, volunteer engagement and sustainable growth:

“Seek, value, use and recognise the enthusiasm, time and energies of your volunteers – they are your best ambassadors. And never forget that members, supporters and staff are the lifeblood of the organisation.”

Catherine encouraged Stichting Rancho Aruba National Trust to be bold and innovative, reminding them that the National Trust movement is powered by people and rooted in shared values:

“Be a brave and audacious Aruba! You know what you’ve got to do – and I know you will achieve it. You have everything going for you – including all of us supporting you and cheering you on.”

Now, as Aruba National Trust, the organisation is preparing to represent the island at the Global Sustainable Island Summit 2025 in St. Kitts and Nevis. This international gathering will bring together island leaders to exchange strategies on climate resilience, sustainable development, and cultural heritage preservation.

Aruba National Trust will be part of a thematic event at the summit co-hosted by INTO, exploring how heritage can intersect with climate and economic strategies – drawing on ancestral knowledge and innovative models from across the globe.

As part of their summit preparations, they are also launching a series of “Integration Encounters”; community-driven gatherings designed to build a more inclusive and resilient heritage model for Aruba.

This is a powerful example of how INTO’s global network supports local leadership. We are honoured to walk alongside Aruba National Trust on this journey and look forward to seeing their continued impact – on the island and beyond.