Researchers and local experts map out future land use on the island
WILLEMSTAD – Where on Curaçao is it best to build homes, develop agriculture, protect nature, or expand tourism infrastructure? A recent scientific study by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam reveals where different visions for the island’s future land use converge. Together with local experts, the researchers created maps that clearly show who wants what, where, and why.
The study, conducted in 2024 as part of the SEALINK project—which includes collaboration with the local foundation CARMABI—demonstrates the importance of mapping spatial choices early on. Many areas on the island are suitable for multiple functions, which can lead to both conflict and cooperation.
Land use on a small island
Curaçao is a small island where many sectors compete for limited space. At the same time, plans are needed for tourism, housing, agriculture, and nature conservation. The researchers asked: how do stakeholders from these sectors envision the future? Where do they want to develop certain activities, and are there potential clashes with others who envision different uses for the same areas?
Maps show what’s possible
In collaboration with local experts, the researchers created maps showing where different forms of land use are preferred by experts in sectors such as tourism, urban development, agriculture, and nature conservation. These preferences were translated into spatial maps that highlight where future conflicts could arise because different groups have contrasting visions for the same areas.
This kind of research—done in cooperation with Curaçao-based parties and experts—comes at a pivotal moment, as the island has long been discussing a revision of its 1995 development plan (EOP), which designates areas for purposes such as agriculture or urban development. According to researcher Rex Steward of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, this study helps visualize how different sectors think a revision could take shape. “The maps don’t express opinions but reveal where sectoral expectations align—or collide.”
Areas with multiple values
As expected, the maps show that some parts of the island are suitable for multiple purposes. For instance, the southwest coast is seen as ideal for both tourism and nature conservation. Areas near the city are considered promising for both agriculture and housing. However, the total surface area where such potential overlaps occur is surprisingly small—less than 2% of the island, according to the study.
A tool for better policy
These maps are valuable tools for policymakers and planners, helping them to consider diverse interests early in the planning process. They also illustrate that many anticipated “conflicts” may be less problematic than expected. In some cases, different functions could potentially be combined, such as promoting tourism or recreation within nature areas to meet the growing demand for eco-tourism.
In line with existing policy
Although Curaçao’s spatial development plan (EOP) is outdated, the study also shows that experts’ expectations still largely align with the current zoning designations. This means that a complete overhaul of the EOP may not be necessary—a revision of just a few areas could already go a long way in meeting the island’s future needs.
Part of a broader research project
This study is part of the SEALINK project, which investigates land-sea interactions across the Dutch Caribbean. The project is a collaboration between several Dutch universities and research institutions, along with local partners such as the University of Curaçao and CARMABI. This particular research was carried out by the Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM) at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and funded through a grant to the SEALINK project from the Dutch Research Council (NWO).
Read the full article:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1462901124000674
De uit de studie voortvloeiende kaarten waarin de toekomstige geschiktheid van verschillende gebieden op Curaçao door lokale experts werd geïnventariseerd. In dit voorbeeld zijn 5 toekomstige bestemmingen te zien (natuurbehoud, stedelijke en toeristische ontwikkeling en 2 vormen van landbouw). Voor elke bestemming geschikt geachte gebieden zijn aangegeven in groen, ongeschikte gebieden in rood.
Press Release: New Research Provides Tools for Smarter Spatial Planning on Curaçao