On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, the International Panel on Deltas, Coasts, and Islands (IPDC) launched the report on the state of climate adaptation in deltas, coastal areas, and islands, with contributions from all Dutch islands in the Caribbean. This marks a significant step forward in collaboration to collectively address the challenges of climate change and sustainable development.
The report, a compilation of active contributions from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Saba, and St. Eustatius, provides a deep analysis of the climate challenges facing the islands, along with strategies and plans related to climate adaptation.
IPDC is a unique collaboration among governments, financial institutions, scientific experts, and professionals worldwide. Its mission is to prioritize water surrounding us in climate adaptation efforts and the implementation of delta, coastal, and island adaptations. To achieve this goal, IPDC focuses on overcoming implementation barriers and strengthening governance, knowledge development, capacity, and access to financing.
“The complexity of the climate change challenge can be overwhelming. IPDC serves as a unifying platform to reach collective solutions contributing to a sustainable future.” – Timo Kelder, IPDC Coordinator in the Caribbean region. According to Dr. Ryan R. Peterson, President of NCRC Aruba, the IPDC program provides an essential pathway to delineate and combine efforts, collective ambitions for climate resilience, and at the same time, unite the scarce financial and knowledge resources among the islands.
“The launch of this project is an important step for countries within the Dutch Kingdom to collaborate for a climate-resilient future and one that treats nature responsibly,” Minister of Transport, Integrity, Nature, and Elderly Affairs, Ursell Arends mentioned.
“By sharing knowledge and collective experiences, we can develop and implement strategic solutions and also safeguard and strengthen our community and ecological biodiversity from the adverse effects of climate change,” Dr. Ryan R. Peterson asserts.
The report underscores the unique challenge each country faces and identifies specific strategies and plans to adapt to the changing environment. From improving water supply and promoting sustainable energy to strengthening coastal defenses and preserving biodiversity, the report provides a comprehensive perspective on efforts to contribute to a resilient society.
The IPDC report emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and the role of local communities in addressing the impact of climate change through collaboration at all levels. From local governments to international organizations, we are implementing effective measures to make our islands more resilient and secure the future of our communities.
The report is available to the public through the website of the National Climate Resilience Council of Aruba (www.ncrc-aruba.org). To monitor the progress of the acceleration of implementation and adaptation, IPDC publishes a progress report every two years.
