Aruba strengthens its climate resilience with a strategic alliance
Oranjestad – Aruba has limited infrastructure to tackle climate change. This conclusion was drawn from the Nature Portfolio in 2021. Without data and strategy, effective action is not possible.
For this reason, a roadmap was created with three main phases:
- Identifying risks and vulnerabilities,
- Calculating the cost of climate solutions,
- Seeking funding for implementation.
In 2022, Minister of Transport, Integrity, Nature, and Senior Affairs, Ursell Arends, attended the UN Ocean’s Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, and secured an agreement with the Stimson Center to implement CORVI (Coastal & Ocean Risk Vulnerability Index). Aruba signed a collaboration with the IPDC (International Panel on Deltas, Coastal Areas, and Islands) to strengthen capacity and access to knowledge within the Dutch Kingdom. In 2023, Minister Arends participated in the "Our Oceans Conference" and the "UN-Water Conference" in New York, promoting climate adaptation funding. Additionally, throughout 2023, meetings were held with stakeholders from the private sector and NGOs to build partnerships for Aruba’s climate resilience. This led to collaborations with Aruba Airport Authority, Aruba Bank, AHATA, ATA, Centrale Bank van Aruba, Meta Corporation, Setar NV, Utilities Aruba NV, WEB Aruba NV, the Ministry of Nature, and NCRC.
On April 22, 2024, Earth Day, Aruba established the National Climate Resilience Council (NCRC). During the event, two crucial agreements were signed:
- CORVI Agreement with the Stimson Center (USA)
- Climate Impact Atlas Agreement with CAS and IPDC (Netherlands)
In 2024, the stakeholder workshop was a key component in developing CORVI and Aruba’s Climate Impact Atlas. The CORVI survey in October 2024 provided promising initial results. Additionally, efforts continue to strengthen resilience against climate change. On January 30, over 35 stakeholders participated in the workshop "Co-designing Aruba's Climate Impact Atlas," organized by NCRC and Climate Adaptation Services, a highly valuable partner. The collaboration between the public and private sectors and non-governmental organizations demonstrates that Aruba is leading in developing a National Adaptation Strategy.
Aruba is on the right track to better understand climate risks, enabling the implementation of effective solutions. At the end of the day, we must all be aware that climate change affects us all.