IPDC releases report on state of climate adaptation with contributions from all Dutch Caribbean islands

The report, compiled with active contributions from the countries Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten, as well as the three special municipalities Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba, provides an in-depth analysis of the climate challenges faced by these islands, along with strategies and plans related to climate adaptation.

The IPDC is a unique collaboration of governments, financial institutions, scientific experts, and practitioners worldwide. Its mission is to prioritize water in climate adaptation efforts and bridge the gap between the needs and implementation of adaptation in deltas, coastal areas, and islands. To achieve this goal, the IPDC employs a demand-driven approach to overcome implementation barriers and strengthen governance, knowledge development, capacity, and access to financing.

"The complex challenge of climate change can be overwhelming. The IPDC serves as a unifying platform to find solutions that contribute to a sustainable future," said Timo Kelder, IPDC Coordinator for the Caribbean region. According to Dr. Ryan R. Peterson, Chair of the NCRC Aruba, the IPDC provides an essential pathway to streamline and synergize our collective climate-resilient efforts and ambitions while pooling scarce financial and knowledge-based resources across the islands.

"The launch of this report is an important first step in collaborating on a climate-resilient and nature-responsible future within and across the Kingdom of the Netherlands," said Minister Ursell Arends, Minister of Transportation, Integrity, Nature, and Senior Affairs. "By sharing knowledge and experiences collectively, we can develop and implement strategic solutions to safeguard and strengthen our communities and biodiverse ecologies from the adverse impacts of climate change," Dr. Ryan R. Peterson affirmed.

The report highlights the unique challenges faced by each island and identifies specific strategies and plans implemented to adapt to the changing environment. The report provides an overview of efforts to build resilient societies, from improving water supply and promoting sustainable energy to strengthening coastal defenses and preserving biodiversity, 

The IPDC report emphasizes 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, we can implement effective measures to make our islands more resilient and secure the future of our communities.

The IPDC report is now available to the public on the website of the National Climate Resilience Council of Aruba. The IPDC publishes a progress report every two years to track its progress in accelerating adaptation implementation.