Nigel Maduro is an intersectional environmental activist, Indigenous Caquetio Nation leader, and holder of an MSc in Strategic Leadership Towards Sustainability. Based in Aruba, he is renowned for leading a socio-environmental movement against the unsustainable hotel and tourism industry, advocating for Indigenous land rights and biodiversity conservation. His peaceful protests, including graffiti campaigns such as “No More Hotels” and “Land Back,” garnered national attention and led to his arrest, solidifying his role as a spokesperson for the interconnected issues of land rights and environmental degradation. Maduro’s work focuses on transitioning to sustainable practices and a circular economy, aiming to integrate social equity into environmental solutions. With experience at Greenpeace Aotearoa and in corporate sustainability consultancy, he brings a wealth of expertise to his advocacy. As a leader of the Caquetio Nation, Maduro is dedicated to amplifying Indigenous voices and advancing climate justice on an international stage.
Academic / Professional Background
Nigel Maduro holds a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership Towards Sustainability. His academic focus includes conservation and the role of Indigenous Peoples in biodiversity protection. He has also worked as an HR Specialist for a corporate sustainability consultancy, where he contributed to ESG ratings, carbon footprint calculations, and sustainability strategies. His experience extends to Greenpeace Aotearoa (New Zealand), where he participated in various climate campaigns.
Climate Justice Journey
Nigel began his climate activism with a socio-environmental movement in Aruba, protesting the unsustainable hotel and tourism industry through graffiti campaigns like “No More Hotels” and “Land Back.” This movement, which led to his arrest, highlighted the interconnected issues of Indigenous land rights and biodiversity loss. His advocacy work includes promoting a transition to sustainable practices and a circular economy in the tourism sector, and amplifying Indigenous voices in international climate discussions.
Projects and Initiatives
Nigel’s activism focuses on shedding light on the Caribbean’s disproportionate vulnerability to climate change and biodiversity loss. He advocates for the Indigenous land back movement and the role of decolonization in addressing the climate crisis. His initiatives include transitioning Aruba’s tourism industry to sustainable practices and promoting land sovereignty as a means to enhance biodiversity protection and social equity.
Awards and Recognition
Nigel is recognized as a leader of the Caquetio Nation of Aruba, known for his advocacy for environmental and Indigenous rights. His contributions include his impactful socio-environmental movement and his role in representing Indigenous perspectives at international climate conventions.
