PHILIPSBURG – Sint Maarten is taking major steps toward building a national climate adaptation framework as the country faces increasing risks from climate change, according to a new policy note from the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS).
The report states that Sint Maarten’s Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) is currently working to establish a stronger policy framework for climate adaptation and resilience-building.
Although Sint Maarten does not yet have a completed National Adaptation Plan (NAP), two major climate initiatives are already underway.
The first is the development of a National Climate Change Adaptation Report and Framework through the European Union-funded Green Overseas Program. The second is a National Adaptation Strategy supported by the International Panel on Deltas and Coastal Areas and Climate Adaptation Services (CAS).
According to the CBCS, these initiatives are intended to identify climate vulnerabilities, define strategic priorities, clarify institutional responsibilities, and establish implementation pathways for future adaptation policies.
A major stakeholder workshop held on March 12 and 13, 2026 brought together government agencies, civil society groups, and private sector representatives to review climate risks, vulnerable sectors, projected impacts through 2100, and possible adaptation measures.
The workshop also focused on practical implementation challenges, including financing, coordination, policy enforcement, and capacity building.
The report notes that Sint Maarten’s next steps will involve translating climate strategies into concrete actions with defined timelines, funding sources, monitoring indicators, and clear institutional responsibilities.