Native Aruban Natasha Silva is an in-situ and ex-situ conservationist, anthropologist and museologist, and is the Chief Conservation Officer at Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba. Born into a house of plant and animal lovers, her passion for nature was sparked at a young age.
Coming from a multicultural background, and having traveled to and lived in numerous countries, Natasha became increasingly aware of the interrelationship between humans and nature, and the great impact they continue to have on the environment. These experiences melded and formed the basis for her academic development and ensuing career. In her current work, Natasha has seen island biodiversity, ecosystems and carrying capacities increasingly impacted by unsustainable behaviors resulting from both ignorance and opportunism. According to Natasha, the key lies in education and creating awareness. Conservation is as much ‘people work’ as it is ‘nature work’.
Prior to joining Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba, Natasha worked across several nature-based organizations including Artis Royal Zoo in Amsterdam and Vogelpark Avifauna. Natasha also served on the board of several organizations including the International Zoo Educators Association, Stichting Kindgericht Onderwijs Uithoorn, and IVN Vereniging voor Natuur en Milieu Educatie.
The Dutch Caribbean Cooperation of Airports (DCCA) is organizing the 1stInternational Sustainable Air Transportation event called “A Flight To The Future” in Aruba in November 2022. A one-week event filled with presentations, panel discussion, masterclasses and test flight demonstrations with the Pipistrel Velis Electro, the first certified electric aircraft, all with the purpose of sharing knowledge, creating dialogue on the future of aviation and on interisland connectivity in the Dutch Caribbean.