Knowledge Exchange CEP Islands

Last Year, the Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier, with the support of the NWB Fund, explored how knowledge exchange on water management on islands can be stimulated. Water managers from the Caribbean, Europe, and the Pacific (CEP) discussed the challenges they face due to climate change. Issues on Texel and Curaçao were shared, resulting in great enthusiasm and the creation of a platform under the UN Local Islands 2030 network.

Island residents are acutely aware of the consequences of climate change. During an emergency, they are often isolated and are already distanced from the mainland in normal circumstances. This leads to a distinct island community where everyone knows each other, even if it's through others, and there is a constant shortage of capacity. Islanders often wear multiple hats— the school teacher also works as a fisherman, the mayor doubles as a hotel owner, and the water consultant is also a real estate developer. These characteristics are not unique to islands in Europe. They also impact the approach to climate adaptation, which warrants further investigation.

A round of calls with water managers from islands in the Caribbean, Europe, and the Pacific generated significant interest. There is a great demand for knowledge exchange, as water managers often find themselves literally and figuratively isolated. Even in Europe, there is much to learn from islands in warmer climates. These islands often already have better energy systems, are quick to recover after natural disasters, and are already dealing with extreme weather conditions like heat and drought—issues that Europe will soon face.

For this reason, the Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier, which manages the island of Texel, initiated an exploration into how knowledge exchange between these islands can be set up, through webinars and pilots. The NWB Fund financed this exploration.

Twinning Curaçao and Texel

In the first webinar with Curaçao and Texel, a group of trainees presented a comparison between the two islands regarding the scaling up of water storage locations. On Curaçao, this involves refurbishing old dams for rainwater conservation, while on Texel, it focuses on sweetwater buffering as part of the 'Zoete toekomst Texel' (Sweet Future Texel) initiative.

During the summer, water shortages are becoming increasingly common. These shortages will only worsen in the future due to climate change. As a result, both islands are forced to focus more on water buffering and conservation. In Curaçao, this buffer can also help slow down the flow of tropical storms and heavy rainfall, thereby preventing waterlogging.

The islands are generally limited in terms of their available budget and human capacity. The success of many initiatives and solutions is therefore highly dependent on external funding and subsidies. This makes project execution challenging: islanders often have the knowledge and ideas ready but lack the resources to take action. Achieving long-term goals requires sufficient and consistent financing.

Facebook Islands

Furthermore, residents have a complex and dynamic interpersonal relationship with each other. These relationships influence the deployment and collaboration within existing areas of expertise. This can have a positive impact, but it also comes with certain disadvantages. The positive contribution is that people quickly know who to turn to when they spot a problem. The strong social control can ensure close cooperation, and islanders are highly engaged and willing to help each other.

On the other hand, this social control—due to the small community—can also be detrimental to the collective approach to problems. Islanders might feel hesitant to voice their opinions if they differ from the views of others. As a result, there can be resistance to collaboration both within and outside an organization. The chances are high that information will circulate around the island, leading to social issues. Islanders always know everything about each other, which is why these islands are sometimes referred to as "Facebook Islands."

Local Knowledge and Ownership

For the implementation of climate plans, raising awareness at all levels is crucial: in politics, among individuals (residents and tourists), and within the agricultural sector. This requires more collaboration with residents to build mutual trust. Ownership must be developed before focusing on the implementation of technical solutions. This way, everyone will contribute, and the initiative won't remain with just one party.

Since so many issues are at play on the island across various sectors, it is almost impossible not to work integrally and involve all stakeholders. On Texel, just like in Curaçao, there will need to be a stronger reliance on local knowledge. Islanders know their island better than anyone and have a clear understanding of the problems and desired solutions. After all, the island belongs to them—they have to live there. It is therefore logical that projects are collectively thought out and carried out.

Over-tourism

In a second webinar on enforcement, over-tourism, and nature-based solutions, not only Curaçao and Texel were represented, but also the Northern Mariana Islands, Hawaii (Pacific), and the Halligen (Europe). This provided a comprehensive overview of how different parts of the world are addressing the same issues. Once again, there was significant recognition and valuable exchange. A key focus was determining the carrying capacity of islands: what amount of tourism is still acceptable, and when does the pressure on nature become too much? Additionally, Curaçao is making great progress in implementing measures for Klein Curaçao, the idyllic island off the eastern coast of Curaçao. For example, citizen science could be a way to increase awareness among visitors and help manage tourism more sustainably.

Smaakt naar meer (More to come)

This initial round of webinars has sparked even more interest in exchanging knowledge and expertise, not only from islands like Texel and Curaçao but from other islands as well. This could take place in a private learning environment with a twinning of specific islands or in an open environment with participation from multiple islands. A key characteristic is the desire for mutual learning in small groups. Furthermore, an invitation to join the Local Islands 2030 network of the United Nations has been extended. This global network hosts well-attended webinars, which offers opportunities to share lessons learned from the CEP islands and meet new colleagues.

In the near future, the Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier plans to organize a few more low-budget webinars and explore ways to bring the CEP Islands platform to greater heights. More to follow. For more information, the contact person is Petra Goessen, p.goessen@hhnk.nl.