the Bonaire Climate Plan project group, chaired by Nolly Oleana, officially presented the Bonaire Climate Plan to the Executive Council. The plan is the result of an intensive and participatory process that began on August 1, 2024, and received broad support from our Bonairean community.
“Our island, our responsibility,” emphasized Chairman Nolly Oleana. “This climate plan is not just a document, but a joint course for the future of Bonaire. It shows that our community is willing to help think, take responsibility, and work together to achieve a livable island for future generations.”
During the process, the project group actively collaborated with residents, businesses, social organizations, and government agencies. They organized workshops, held conversations in neighborhoods and with youth, while farmers and fishermen also shared their experiences and concerns. In addition, a comprehensive survey among our population provided valuable insights that were directly incorporated into the plan.
The Climate Plan was realized with the support of Beyonder BV and Matribu BV. Furthermore, IPDC formulated the theoretical chapter of the plan, based entirely on the input and knowledge gathered during the workshops and participation moments with the Bonairean community. Because of this, the plan is not only a policy document, but also a reflection of the experiences, concerns, and desires of our community itself.
Immediate Action is Required
The need to push forward with the work is great. This is because the consequences of climate change on Bonaire are no longer a matter of the future; we are already feeling them daily. Think of rising temperatures, increasing drought and water scarcity, coastal erosion and sea level rise, our coral reefs being affected and bleaching, loss of biodiversity, and the growing pressure on food supply and livelihood security. These developments have a direct impact on the livability, economy, and health of our island.
For this reason, the Climate Plan focuses on concrete priorities such as water security, protection of our ecosystems, sustainable territorial development, and food security. With this, the plan connects closely with the ambitions of Vision 2050 Bonaire: a livable, climate-resilient, and sustainable Bonaire.
During a working conference in January of this year, which was attended by civil servants of the Public Entity Bonaire and representatives of various Dutch ministries, a first joint step was taken toward an implementation agenda. This forms an important foundation for the next phase: from plan to execution.
Maintaining Momentum
The project group emphatically brought the importance of immediate next steps to the attention of the Executive Council. There is a clear desire within our community to maintain the momentum that has been achieved and avoid further delays. The challenges Bonaire faces require determination, collaboration, and administrative continuity—both locally and from the Netherlands.
In this regard, the project group expresses the hope that the Public Entity Bonaire and the ministries involved will continue to invest jointly in a structural approach, so that the recommendations of the climate plan can be properly converted into visible action and sustainable solutions for our island.
Additionally, a feedback session for the Bonairean community will be organized in the short term. During this meeting, the contents of the Climate Plan will be explained, and residents will be informed about possible next steps and implementation priorities.
The project group expresses its great appreciation to all residents, organizations, and partners who contributed to this joint result.
“Without the involvement of our community, we would never have been able to achieve a plan that is so widely supported by everyone,” said Chairman Nolly Oleana. “It is precisely this shared commitment that gives confidence that Bonaire can tackle the challenges of the future. This plan is an important step toward a stronger, more sustainable, and more livable Bonaire.”
With the Climate Plan, we now have a solid foundation to make Bonaire resistant and resilient for the future.
Our island, our responsibility.
