About Us
Who we are
animals were saved
forests preserved
plant species
new volunteers
COIA
The Curaçao Outdoor Industry
Alliance
was established to unite all outdoor businesses under a common banner, fostering collaboration and advancing collective interests. We promote safe and regenerative practices, nature conservancy, and the empowerment of guides through knowledge dissemination. We set industry standards that prioritise sustainability and responsible stewardship, ensuring a thriving outdoor industry that respects and protects the environments in which it operates.
A Living Lab for Curaçao
Our flagship territory – Sint Michiel — is not managed as a zone of restriction. It is a Convivial Blue Commons: a shared living landscape where ecological restoration, cultural heritage, education, and regenerative economic activity reinforce one another.
This is where COIA tests solutions for biodiversity protection, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods
And shares what we learn with Curaçao, the Caribbean, and beyond.
Our Story
President's Perspective
With 18 years of experience working for a conservation NGO
Doing research, fieldwork, and park management, and coordinating trail building, mapping, clean-ups, and product development with passionate local rangers — Terence L. Ching concluded that conservation needs a new approach. One that honours local communities as knowledgeable stewards of the land. One that moves beyond the office cubicle and puts credit where it belongs: with the hard-working locals who built the trails, memorised the flora and fauna, and created the oral libraries of knowledge on which conservation depends.
"It's time to turn the tide on conservation."
Vision
Statement
"Empowering a Global Community for Sustainable Outdoor Enjoyment." A world where, through sustainable management practices, outdoor spaces are cherished, conserved, and enjoyed responsibly — where outdoor enthusiasts, industry professionals, and community stewards thrive in harmonious coexistence with the natural world.
Mission
Statement
"Our mission is to champion the harmonious coexistence of outdoor enthusiasts and the natural world, fostering a sustainable relationship through education, advocacy, research, collaborative initiatives, and stewardship."
Seven principles of regenerative outdoor practice — expanded from the Foundation Profile and reinforced by the Sint Michiel Plan’s framing.
Leave No Trace
Leave no trace of your presence behind, including trash, waste, or damage to vegetation and wildlife habitats.
Responsible Recreation
Follow established guidelines for hiking, camping, and climbing. Stay on designated trails, respect wildlife, and adhere to any regulations in place to protect natural areas.
Education & Awareness
Share information about sustainable outdoor recreation and encourage others to protect and restore natural ecosystems.
Community Engagement
Engage with local communities to foster collective action — from clean-up events to advocacy for environmental policies that benefit both people and planet.
Sustainable Gear & Equipment
Choose gear sustainably sourced, durable, and minimal in environmental impact — recycled materials, ethical sourcing, designed for longevity.
Regenerative Land Use
Support activities that promote regenerative land management: sustainable agriculture, reforestation, conservation. Volunteer; support businesses that prioritise regenerative practices.
Carbon Offsetting
Offset the carbon footprint of outdoor activities by supporting reforestation initiatives and renewable energy projects.
Impact Pillars
Goals & Impact Areas
Education
Training & Support Public education, guide empowerment, sustainability certifications, capacity building, and an information hub for the outdoor industry.
Advocacy
Stewardship inspiration, sustainable design advocacy, funding lobbying, and a legislative voice for the outdoor industry.
Research & Development
Benchmarking industry standards, conducting essential research projects, and generating data for educational and lobbying initiatives.
Collaboration
Facilitating international knowledge exchange and fostering a global community committed to regenerative practice.
Ownership & Management
Strategically acquiring or managing parks, nature reserves, and outdoor spaces — ensuring their preservation and sustainable use for future generations
Terence L. Ching
President (18 years conservation NGO; outdoor guide and trainer)
Policy Alignment
Grounded in National and International Policy
Our work is explicitly aligned with Curaçao's core policy frameworks and international commitments.
National Development Plan (2015–2030) — education, sustainable growth, national identity, good governance
Nature Policy Plan / National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2024–2030) — ecosystem restoration, community stewardship
National Export Strategy — regenerative tourism and education services
Ramsar Convention — wise use of wetlands of international importance
UNESCO Man and the Biosphere — people-centred conservation and learning landscapes
Regenerative Blue Economy & Convivial Blue Commons frameworks — restoration, justice, shared governance