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| Ever since Bonaire was discovered in 1499 by Amerigo
Vespucci, governments and entrepreneurs have tried unsuccessfully to make a living off the
island. After stripping the island of its hardwoods and dyewoods when they couldn't find
gold, the Spanish hunted wild goats and sheep. Through the years the Dutch, British, and
even US merchant Joseph Foulke, failed at attempts to establish a viable economic base. In more recent history, people on the neighboring islands and South America heard about the beauty and peacefulness of the island and decided to vacation there. As soon as the word got out, the people of Bonaire took advantage of the tourism possibilities. Careful not to ruin their tropical haven with commercial growth, the island has made laws protecting the environment of Bonaire.
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