On October 15, the Bonaire Climate Declaration was presented to residents and stakeholders at the Corallium Hotel. The presentation was given by Mr. Oleana, Chair, and Mr. Alders, member of the Bonaire Climate Table project group. This declaration, which outlines eight core climate ambitions, marks an important milestone in the journey toward a climate-resilient and sustainable Bonaire.
The climate ambitions serve as a guiding framework for everyone on the island – from citizens and businesses to civil society organizations and government bodies. They highlight what is needed to keep the island livable in a changing climate.
The creation of the Climate Declaration is particularly noteworthy: it is a true bottom-up process, shaped by the insights and concerns of the Bonairian community. Between March and September 2025, dozens of climate table discussions were held, with contributions from residents across neighborhoods, students, civil servants, farmers, fishers, and entrepreneurs.
Eight Climate Ambitions for Bonaire
The Climate Declaration outlines eight ambitions that guide both climate adaptation and mitigation on the island. These are organized across three levels: preconditions, key themes, and desired outcome.
Preconditions: Cooperation and Knowledge
Cooperation – Strengthening collaboration between citizens, organizations, businesses, and governments, with attention to social support and socioeconomic differences.
Knowledge – Expanding knowledge and awareness about climate change and how everyone can contribute to a livable island, also drawing on traditional insights.
Key Themes for Action
Water – Smart water management: collection, reuse, and protection of water quality.
Food Security – Strengthening local food production and encouraging innovation and small-scale initiatives.
Nature Conservation – Restoration and protection of natural areas, vegetation, and coral reefs.
Cultural Heritage – Protecting both tangible and intangible heritage from climate impacts.
Energy Security – Ensuring reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy for all residents.
Outcome
Well-being – Improving the overall well-being of the population through the protection of health, safety, livelihood security, and the tourism economy. This includes mitigating heat stress, damage from extreme weather, and the spread of diseases such as dengue.
Nolly Oleana, Chair of the Bonaire Climate Table, expressed his appreciation during the event:
“I want to thank everyone for their valuable contributions to this process. Your involvement is crucial. The Climate Declaration belongs to and is made for Bonaire. Together, we are building a strong foundation for future climate policy.”
During the event, attendees showed their support by signing the declaration on the spot. For those who couldn’t attend, it remains possible to sign the declaration online. The link for online signing is provided at the bottom of this message.
The declaration is an important step toward the Bonaire Climate Plan, which will be submitted to the Public Entity of Bonaire in 2026. That plan will elaborate on the ambitions and their implementation. The event concluded with remarks from Commissioner Clark Abraham, who emphasized the importance of execution following the completion of the Climate Plan in the first quarter of 2026.
The Climate Declaration and online signing option are available at: https://forms.gle/KTEkFmAETGXtgu6cA
For more information or interview requests, please contact: Ivy Adriaens Lo Tam Soen – info@klimaattafel-bonaire.com
Our Island, Our Responsibility!