WILLEMSTAD – A groundbreaking scientific study by the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, in collaboration with local experts and organizations like CARMABI, has mapped out future land use priorities for Curaçao. The research aims to answer key questions: Where on the island should development take place? Which areas are best suited for agriculture, nature conservation, housing, or tourism infrastructure?
The study, conducted in 2024 as part of the SEALINK project, shows how various visions for land use converge — or conflict — and presents maps that visualize stakeholders' preferences and expectations for different regions of the island.
Competing Priorities on Limited Land
On a small island like Curaçao, multiple sectors — from tourism and urban development to agriculture and conservation — compete for the same limited land. The researchers asked: What do stakeholders from these sectors want for the future? And where might their plans clash?
The answer came through participatory mapping sessions. Local experts were invited to identify areas they considered most suitable for their sector's goals. These preferences were turned into maps, clearly illustrating where interests align — or where conflict may arise if overlapping claims are made on the same territory.
Visualizing Potential Conflicts and Opportunities
According to the researchers, the southwest coast is considered valuable for both tourism and nature conservation. Similarly, the areas surrounding urban centers are seen as promising for both housing and agriculture. While this dual suitability might seem problematic, the study reveals that only less than 2% of the island's total area is subject to overlapping interests — a surprisingly small portion.
The maps offer policymakers a valuable tool to anticipate challenges early and explore options for multi-functional land use, such as eco-tourism in protected natural zones.
Informed Update of the Island Development Plan
The study is especially timely, as there has been increasing discussion about revising Curaçao’s Island Development Plan (EOP) from 1995. Researcher Rex Steward of the Vrije Universiteit explains that the maps don’t express opinions but rather reveal where stakeholder expectations intersect or diverge.
Interestingly, the research also found that many of the current expert views still align with the zones designated in the existing EOP, suggesting that a full overhaul of the plan may not be necessary. Instead, a targeted revision of a small number of zones could significantly improve spatial planning outcomes.
Part of a Broader Research Effort
This study forms part of the broader SEALINK project, which examines the land-sea relationship across the Dutch Caribbean. The project involves multiple Dutch research institutions and local partners like the University of Curaçao and CARMABI, and is funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO).
By combining science and local expertise, this research equips Curaçao with the tools to make smarter, more inclusive land use decisions—balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and community needs.
