WILLEMSTAD – Mauritsz de Kort received Dr. Amber van Veghel on May 11 following the completion of her doctoral research focused on food systems, sustainability, and the unique challenges facing small island communities.
During the visit, Dr. Van Veghel presented the Governor with a copy of her recently completed Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) dissertation. She was accompanied by Renske Pin, co-supervisor of the research project.
The Governor was informed about the findings of the multidisciplinary study, officially titled: “The Environmental Impact and Research Characteristics of Food Systems in Small Island Contexts: Case Studies on Food Imports and a Scoping Review in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao (Dutch Caribbean).”
According to information shared during the meeting, the research addresses issues that are directly relevant to Curaçao and the wider Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Because the islands remain heavily dependent on imported food, concerns surrounding food security, sustainability, and climate change are becoming increasingly important within public policy discussions.
As part of the study, Dr. Van Veghel examined the environmental impact of food imports and compiled an overview of existing research related to food production, food supply, and consumption patterns on Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.
The research identified both opportunities and challenges related to increasing local food production and strengthening food security on the islands.
The findings also highlighted the importance of public awareness regarding food choices and how those choices can influence both public health and climate impact.
Governor De Kort congratulated Dr. Van Veghel on earning her PhD degree and emphasized the significance of the achievement.
According to the Governor, the accomplishment is particularly meaningful because Dr. Van Veghel was born on Curaçao and her research contributes valuable insights to a topic of major social importance for both Curaçao and the wider region.