Iberostar Launches “Aula di Lama”: A New Educational Space Dedicated to Sustainability and Marine Ecosystems in Aruba

Aruba, June 9, 2025 – Iberostar is proud to announce the official launch of “Aula di Lama”, a newly established Iberostar Wave of Change (IWoC) educational classroom located at JOIA Aruba by Iberostar. Aula di Lama is a multifunctional, participatory space created for the local community, including schools and NGOs, to study and explore sustainability-related topics with a particular focus on Aruba’s marine and coastal ecosystems.

In the first months, Aula di Lama will focus on offering the space to various organizations committed to protecting nature in Aruba and strengthening the community’s connection to the environment. Developed by the Iberostar Foundation, the goal with the classroom is to create a participatory and collaborative space with the vision of educating on aspects related to nature in Aruba (with special attention to marine and coastal ecosystems). 

Officially introduced to the public on World Ocean Day, Aula di Lama opened its doors to NGOs, educators, students, and community members through a dedicated event. As part of this launch, collaboration agreements were signed with the seven key organizations: Aruba Birdlife Conservation (ABC), Zero Waste Aruba, Metabolic Foundation, Red Cactus Foundation, Wit Gele Kruis, Aruba Coral, and IOC UNESCO. These partnerships mark a significant step in fostering a unified approach to sustainability and education in Aruba. The event aimed to engage participants and showcase how they can utilize the space for research, learning, and collaboration. Attendees were given the opportunity to explore the classroom, discover its resources, and participate in a session about the critical importance of ecosystem education.

“Aula di Lama represents our commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and environmental education,” said Jareth Vermeulen, Sustainability Alliances Manager at Iberostar. “We are excited to offer this space to Aruba’s educators and change-makers as a hub for learning and action.”

Strategically located next to the Shoco Boulevard, Aula di Lama will serve as a base for educational programs, workshops, and field research. The space embodies the foundation’s mission of contributing to the transformation of more resilient destinations in the face of climate change, connecting future generations with their surrounding natural spaces. The initiative is fully supported by Iberostar Wave of Change movement, reinforcing a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and community resilience.

Organizations and schools interested in using Aula di Lama can reach out to jareth.vermeulen@iberostar.com to learn more about how to book and participate in upcoming activities. Join us in championing positive change through positive tourism.

About Iberostar Wave of Change

Since 2017, Iberostar has advanced its environmental commitments through the Iberostar Wave of Change movement, the company’s roadmap to promote a responsible tourism model. Structured around seven focus areas encompassing social, governance, and environmental aspects: Caring for our People, Destination Stewardship, Circular Economy, Nature, Blue Foods, Climate Action, and Responsible Growth. 

In 2024, Iberostar expanded its 3R department to 250 members, a global team dedicated to eliminating landfill waste. Over 90% of the seafood served at its properties is responsibly sourced, with the company further advancing its multinational reef program, with eight active coral nurseries in the Caribbean.

Iberostar has also established an in-house team of more than 30 scientists and specialists collaborating with public and private sectors, and the scientific community, to drive innovation and sustainability strategies that create meaningful impact both in its operations and the destinations in which it operates.

Through its involvement, JOIA Aruba by Iberostar reaffirmed its commitment to supporting scientific dialogue, local partnerships, and forward-thinking sustainability practices—contributing to a more resilient future for Aruba and beyond, and staying true to the Wave of Change mission: to champion positive change through positive tourism. 

About Iberostar Hotels & Resorts 

Iberostar Hotels & Resorts is the hotel division and core business of Iberostar Group, a 100% family-owned Spanish multinational with almost 70 years of history in tourism, with its business origins dating back to 1877. Its portfolio features 31,500 rooms across 100 four- and five-star hotels in 13 countries, dedicated to delivering exceptional quality and heartfelt service. At the same time, it upholds a responsible tourism model that prioritizes the well-being of both people and nature. 

Welcoming 2.5 million guests annually and boasting a prime beachfront presence, the Iberostar Beachfront Resorts brand offers three distinct segments to fulfill every traveler’s holiday dreams. Iberostar Waves delivers fun-filled experiences, perfect for families and couples who love the beach. Iberostar Selection provides premium, spacious, and relaxing stays with exceptional service. Lastly, JOIA by Iberostar is a collection of luxury resorts in exclusive locations, distinguished by highly personalized and refined service.

*Iberostar’s portfolio of Beachfront Resorts excludes its interests in Cuba.