At the moment there is a vision for the area around the following points:
Water connectivity
Zakitó’s unique location near the Caribbean Sea makes this area and the surrounding vicinity ideal for a visual and physical connection with the water in and around the area. At the moment, the connection with the water is not optimal but in this vision the relation with the water will be strengthened.
Coral reefs
The shore line of the Zakitó area holds a collection of several types of coral reefs and underwater life. Curaçao decided a few years ago to protect it’s corals and several underwater species by law. These corals and species are indicated on the SPAW list. So when developing the Zakitó area it is important to take this matter into account.
Koredor
Koredor has been known as a recreational area for locals in particular. At the moment it is still used especially by joggers and walkers. This recreational area should be strengthened and its walkways upgraded.
The Fisherman’s Village
The fisherman’s village is an important point of attraction at the moment for both locals and tourists. These types of public and local experiences have become popular amongst tourists that are seeking the ‘taste’ of the island’s culture. For this reason it should be upgraded, but preserved in its function and authenticity.
Tula Monument
Zakitó is also the site of a prominent moment in Curaçaoan history. It is namely in this area that the body of Tula, a slave who had led the largest slave revolt in Curaçao’s history in August of 1795 but was later caught and executed, was thrown into the sea. Several monuments were raised at this location to commemorate this national hero. This important figure and event thus need to play an important role in the experience of the Zakitó area.
Mangroves
Mangrove areas are extremely productive ecosystems that provide numerous goods and services both to the marine environment and people. In addition mangroves form an important coastal protection element against, for example, hurricanes. The mangrove spots in the vicinity of the Rif area should, therefore, become a part of the total development of Zakitó.
Zakitó Lagoon
The lagoon adjacent to the Aqualectra lot has an enormous potential to become an important attraction and recreational area. After cleaning the area, all types of water activities could be developed here.
Parasasa Beach
The Parasasa beach is a public beach that attracts both locals and tourists to the area. When upgraded, the beach will have a positive impact on the total area and the surrounding neighborhoods as at the moment there are not a lot of public beaches on this side of the island.
Aqualectra Development Terrain
The main building on the Aqualectra lot belongs to the Modern Movement, a collective name for modernist architecture that rose in popularity between 1920 and 1940 and flourished in Europe. At the moment Curaçao’s Ministry of Spatial Planning is conducting a study on the potential for certain buildings in Zakitó to become monuments.
In addition to all of these points we must also consider that in the future the area (Rif/mangrove area) around the 2 cruise piers will continue to be developed. This presents an opportunity to connect Zakitó to this development and further develop the area into a mixed used area. At the moment the area is deserted most of the time, but executing these developments it can become a vibrant spot for both locals and tourists.
