Environmental Policy Plan Curaçao 2016 – 2021.

Environmental Policy Plan of Curaçao is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The timeframe of this Plan is 5 years between 2016 and 2021. The overall purpose of this Plan is the protection of the environment and natural resources, in order to ensure sustainable development, healthy environment and public health. The priority areas of this Plan are the conservation of marine area, freshwater management, air quality, land use planning, waste management, energy conservation, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and disaster risk reduction.
Marine environment will be conserved to ensure biodiversity conservation, ecosystem preservation, coastal development, and sustain mariculture. Therefore, measures will be taken for the prevention of environmental degradation and pollution control from effluent wastewater. Port waste reception facilities will be installed at all harbours. Freshwater resources management will be strengthened to optimize the use of fresh water, provide quality potable water, and use rainwater for irrigation in agricultural production. Habitats and the indigenous species will be protected to assure ecosystem services that provide the highest possible benefits for all.
Air quality will be protected by reducing emissions through strict regulations in traffic. Land use planning will be developed taking into account agricultural production, infrastructure, and sewerage systems. Waste management will be strengthened through waste sorting and reduction, recycling and reuse efforts, such as prohibition of single-use plastic bags and non-biodegradable food containers. Moreover, effective control mechanisms will be developed to reduce negative effects of hazardous substances and waste, in accordance with the relevant international conventions. Renewable energy resources will be promoted for energy production to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, prevent environmental degradation, as well as protect the public health. Legal and policy frameworks will be developed for environmental protection, concerning environmental permits, solid waste management, wastewater management and environmental impact assessments. In addition, punitive sanctions will be strengthened for an effective enforcement of environmental laws and regulations. Environmental awareness will be raised through education and communication means. Environmental protection mechanisms will be developed through research and monitoring programs.
Climate change adaptation and mitigation will be ensured to increase the resilience to the adverse impacts. Long-term measures will be taken for biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and the reduction of greenhouse gases emissions. Moreover, adaptive capacity will be enhanced against the effects of both sea level rise and extreme weather conditions.