LAC: Small Island States (SIDs) and Dutch Caribbean
Deltares works closely with governments, research institutions, and development partners across the Caribbean islands to address pressing challenges related to climate change, freshwater security, water quality, coastal erosion, and disaster risk. Our initiatives span the Dutch Caribbean and other island nations, combining cutting-edge modelling tools, decision support systems, and nature-based solutions to strengthen resilience and support sustainable development.
Through collaborative projects, Deltares helps local stakeholders improve forecasting capabilities, manage water resources, and develop climate adaptation strategies tailored to island-specific vulnerabilities. Our work integrates hydrological, coastal, and ecological modelling with participatory planning, ensuring that solutions are both technically sound and locally relevant.
Examples of our work
Water quality and climate adaptation in the BES Islands
Through the SITO-PS framework, Deltares supports source-to-sea water quality modelling and climate adaptation planning in Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius. This includes hydrology, sediment transport, coastal dynamics, and tracer-based water quality modelling.
The CARIB-FATE project builds on this work to develop decision support tools for local governments.
Contact persons: Luuk van der Heijden, Lorinc Meszaros.
Groundwater and nutrient pathways on Saba
Deltares conducted a first-of-its-kind hydrogeological and nutrient flux study in Saba, Caribbean Netherlands. The project assessed how nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, travel from land-based sources to the sea, with a focus on groundwater flows.
Fieldwork, lab analyses, and a conceptual groundwater model revealed that cesspits and livestock are key nutrient sources, and that groundwater is a major year-round transport route to coastal waters. The findings support coral reef protection and inform future environmental management.
Contact persons: Tess Davids, Perry de Louw.
Operational forecasting and modelling for Curaçao
Deltares has supported multiple initiatives in Curaçao, including the development of groundwater models, hydrodynamic simulations using Delft3D FM, and the implementation of forecasting systems based on Delft-FEWS.
Current efforts focus on updating and integrating wflow and SFINCS models to support both planning and operational water management.
Contact persons: Jaap Schellekens and Perry de Louw.
Climate Adaptation Planning Support for Dutch Caribbean Municipalities
As part of the IPDC initiative, Deltares is supporting the development of climate adaptation plans for the Dutch Caribbean municipalities. This includes an inventory of adaptation options led by the VU, and targeted assistance to local consultants and governments.
In Saba and Sint Eustatius, Deltares provides technical expertise to guide planning processes and ensure that adaptation strategies are grounded in local realities and scientific evidence. The initiative fosters collaboration between ministries, municipalities, and research institutions, contributing to more resilient island communities.
Contact persons: Arno Nolte and Sabrina Couvin.
