The Statia Government welcomes the recent court ruling that recognises the urgent need for stronger protection of Bonaire and its people against the impacts of climate change. We congratulate the people of Bonaire and Greenpeace on this important milestone and acknowledge the ruling as a clear signal that meaningful action is no longer optional, but necessary.
This judgment confirms what Caribbean communities have long experienced. Our islands are on the front line of climate change, while not always receiving equal levels of protection, infrastructure, and opportunity. Statia fully endorses the ruling and sees it as highly relevant not only for Bonaire, but for all Dutch Caribbean Islands.
Climate adaptation, the development of robust climate plans, and strengthening local self reliance are essential for our future. Protecting our islands also means safeguarding economic development, food security, and resilient livelihoods. These goals cannot be achieved in isolation. With support from the Netherlands, Statia has developed a Climate Plan that serves as a clear roadmap to transition the island towards long term resilience. Sustainable financing mechanisms, including programmes such as the Nature Environment Policy Plan, are critical to enable long term, locally driven solutions.
The ruling also has broader significance for other pressing dossiers, including equal provision levels for physical infrastructure, digital and transport connectivity, and overall livelihood security. Climate justice is inseparable from social and economic justice.
Statia emphasises that protecting our island is a shared responsibility. We cannot do this alone. Close and structural cooperation with the Netherlands is essential to ensure equal treatment, sustainable development, and a secure future for current and future generations.
We stand ready to work together as island governments, communities, civil society, and the Netherlands to turn this ruling into concrete and lasting action.
