Tuesday, May 21, 2024 – The International Panel on Deltas, Coasts, and Islands (IPDC) has released a pivotal report on the state of climate adaptation in deltas, coastal areas, and islands. This significant milestone, marked by the active contributions from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Saba, and St. Eustatius, represents a major step forward in collaborative efforts to tackle climate change challenges and promote sustainable development.

The report offers an in-depth analysis of the climatic challenges faced by these islands, alongside strategies and plans related to climate adaptation. IPDC is a unique collaboration involving governments, financial institutions, scientific experts, and professionals worldwide. Its mission is to prioritize the surrounding waters in efforts to adapt to climate change and implement adaptation measures for deltas, coastal areas, and islands. To achieve this, IPDC focuses on overcoming implementation barriers and strengthening governance, knowledge development, capacity building, and access to financing.

“The complexity of the climate change challenge can be overwhelming. IPDC functions as a unifying platform to reach collective solutions that contribute to a sustainable future,” said Timo Kelder, IPDC coordinator for the Caribbean region.

According to Dr. Ryan R. Peterson, President of the National Climate Resilience Council of Aruba (NCRC), the IPDC program provides an essential pathway to outline and combine efforts and collective ambitions for climate resilience while uniting the islands’ scarce financial and knowledge resources.

“The launch of this project is an important step for the Kingdom of the Netherlands to collaborate for a climate-resilient future that responsibly manages nature,” stated Mr. Ursell Arends, Minister of Transportation, Integrity, Nature, and Senior Affairs. “By sharing knowledge and collective experiences, we can develop and implement strategic solutions, safeguarding and strengthening our communities and ecological biodiversity from the adverse effects of climate change,” affirmed Dr. Peterson.

The report highlights the unique challenges each island 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 underscores the importance of international cooperation and the role of local communities in addressing climate change impacts through collaboration at all levels. From local governments to international organizations, effective measures are being implemented to make the islands more resilient and secure the future of their communities.

The report is publicly available through the National Climate Resilience Council of Aruba’s website (www.ncrcaruba.org). To monitor the progress of implementation and adaptation efforts, IPDC publishes a progress report every two years.