WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s emerging climate adaptation strategy aims to make the island more resilient to climate disasters while positioning the country as an important renewable energy hub by 2050.
That goal is outlined in a new policy note published by the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS), which examines the development of National Adaptation Plans for Curaçao and Sint Maarten.
According to the report, Curaçao is currently developing its National Adaptation Strategy based on earlier climate initiatives, including the “Routekaart Klimaatstrategie Curaçao – Kòrsou na kaminda.” The strategy is intended to combine scientific analysis, stakeholder input, and public consultation into a comprehensive long-term climate adaptation framework.
The report states that Curaçao’s adaptation vision includes increasing resilience to natural disasters, conserving biodiversity, regenerating ecosystems, and reducing the country’s carbon footprint.
Eight priority themes have already been identified for the strategy: water management, coastal management, the built environment, culture and people, the economy, the financial sector, food security, and green infrastructure.
The CBCS notes that Curaçao’s approach goes beyond traditional infrastructure protection measures. The strategy also focuses on economic resilience, social cohesion, public health, environmental quality, and cultural preservation.
The report highlights that adaptation actions are being divided into three categories: reactive measures, preventive measures, and transformative actions. Examples include early warning systems, improved drainage systems to reduce flooding, and larger-scale nature-based projects such as green corridors and flood-prevention initiatives.
Public participation is also playing a central role in the process. Surveys have already been conducted in locations such as supermarkets to better understand how residents experience climate change and which adaptation measures they consider important.
The policy note states that the final adaptation strategy is expected to be submitted to ministers by mid-2026.