Peter – Terra Barra

For Peter Montanus, caring for nature has always been part of who he is. Throughout his working life, he focused on environmental protection. Now that he is retired, that same commitment continues, just in a different form. Outdoors. Hands in the soil. Trees growing where there once was uniformity.

Peter volunteers with Tera Barra, an organization dedicated to restoring diversity to Bonaire’s vegetation. At first glance, the island may appear green. But Peter knows that much of the landscape consists of only a few tree species. Over time, human intervention has simplified the ecosystem, making it more vulnerable.

Tera Barra works to reverse that trend. By cultivating dozens of different tree species, the organization helps enrich natural areas and gardens across this island. For Peter, this work is about restoring balance. Giving nature room to recover. And strengthening the island for the future.

Nature, he believes, is not an abstract idea. It affects how people feel. Why visitors come. And how the island can sustain itself. When nature suffers, so does everything connected to it. Working outdoors feels like a natural continuation of his life’s work. Planting. Watching things grow. Seeing change happen slowly, but surely.

Peter’s story is a quiet reminder that caring for Bonaire does not end when a career does.
It simply takes a new shape. Nos ta biba di naturalesa.

Give something back to Bonaire’s nature

Peter shows that caring for Bonaire starts with planting, patience, and giving nature room to recover. With young trees, stronger roots, and more diversity in the landscape, small actions can help the island grow stronger over time. Want to learn more about Tera Barra or help restore Bonaire’s vegetation? Visit Tera Barra’s website or go straight to their volunteer page.