KRALENDIJK – The project ‘Protehá mi’ (protect me, translated) by the Bonaire Archaeological Institute (BONAI) has been awarded a €117,040 grant under the Faro Initiative of the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands.

Developed in collaboration with archaeologists Daudi Cijntje (Archol bv) and Maaike de Waal (Leiden University and ARGEOgraph), the project was submitted on September 6, 2024, and received approval on December 4, securing a place among the top three selected initiatives.

The project focuses on safeguarding Bonaire’s rich cultural heritage, with a strong emphasis on community involvement and local perspectives. It will be implemented between 2025 and 2027, featuring workshops and activities aimed at preserving culturally significant locations.

Last week, the project plan was officially presented to deputies Angelica Cecilia and Nina den Heyer of the Public Entity Bonaire (PEB).

Unique Approach

A standout feature of the project is its commitment to ensuring knowledge stays within the community. Participants in genealogy workshops, for example, will be trained to conduct future courses themselves. Additionally, three key sites will be selected for non-invasive archaeological inspections, focusing on in situ preservation to keep the locations intact.

Significant Step

According to the project’s initiators, ‘Protehá mi’ represents an important step in protecting the island’s heritage. They highlight that the initiative also underscores the power of collaboration and shared responsibility in preserving Bonaire’s history and culture.