Ugh. FOMO! when I realized I couldn't join Hawai'i Green Growth's Islands of InnovationSummit. Next I comforted myself with the realization of the carbon footprint I wouldn'tleave by flying from Aruba to Honolulu and back. Then I thought, instead of speaking, why not just send a video (granted, it would be low-budget, quick & dirty) of all the innovations I see around me on Aruba, the island I call home.
So I borrowed an electric! car (thanks, Bianca) and just drove around to capture innovations that inspire me, have positive impact and contribute to the #SDGs.
Here were the innovations on my island tour (hyperlinked to more info):
Smart Community: Innovative research based on real sustainable living.
Happy Flow: Innovative passenger processing for smoother travel.
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort: A world leader in sustainable tourism.
Solar Divi Divi Tree: An authentic national icon goes solar and digital.
Happyponics: Island agriculture using hydroponics.
Airport Solar Park: Powering electric mobility and more.
Linear Park: healthy use of public space for communities.
Inspiring stuff, shown at the summit, and feedback was great. And this was just a quick drive that certainly didn't cover all (notably SISSTEM, Brenchi's lab, Goshen Sustainable Development, Futura Lab, Green Bike program...)
The common thread? These are all innovations in action. Implemented, as opposed to just talked about. Wouldn't it be great if someone on every other small island took a spin and shared what innovations inspire and impact them? Let's do it!
by Arno Boersma