WILLEMSTAD – Ten Caribbean countries have responded positively in Curaçao to the invitation from the Netherlands to participate in the Champions Group. This is a Dutch initiative in which participating countries share their expertise in order to respond faster and better to the changing climate.
In addition to Curaçao itself, conference attendees Aruba, Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius, Bonaire and Saba also showed interest in participating in the group. In addition to government representatives, regional development banks, regional networks and experts, such as KNMI and Meteo Curaçao, were also present at the conference in Curaçao.
The Champions Group consists of countries and islands that face major climate challenges, such as floods, droughts, freshwater shortages or sea level rise, and therefore have to invest relatively heavily in adaptation measures.
The group will form the political component of the International Panel on Deltas and Coastal Areas (IPDC), which will be formally established during the UN Water Conference in March 2023. Financial and knowledge institutions can also join the partnership, so that cohesion is created between the scientific, technological, financial and political aspects of this issue.
Climate change is causing more extreme weather conditions and sea level rise. This entails all kinds of water-related challenges. Not only for the European and Caribbean Netherlands, but also for other islands in the Caribbean.
“In the Netherlands we are busy drawing up climate adaptation plans. I think flood safety should be a priority all over the world. It is therefore essential to join forces and share knowledge,” says Dutch Minister Harbers of Infrastructure and Water Management.
Water conference
Achieving the goal for sustainable development in the field of water Countries and islands can join the IPDC until the UN water conference in March.
Participation makes it easier for them to develop a climate change strategy. Bangladesh, India, Colombia, Egypt and Vietnam have previously pledged to join the panel.
The first recommendations on climate adaptation will be presented to various member states at the UN Water Conference. The Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency is also publishing a report on climate scenarios and how to respond to them.
The UN Water Conference is aimed at accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal on water. The Netherlands is hosting the conference together with Tajikistan.
