Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba – special municipalities of the Netherlands situated in the Caribbean – have distinct geographic and economic characteristics that make them interesting players for the Netherlands, the EU and other international actors to engage with. With an ever-evolving geoeconomic landscape, understanding the value of the islands in global affairs and international value chains is vital.
This HCSS report by Benedetta Girardi and Irina Patrahau focuses on the strategic positioning of the islands in international frameworks and explores avenues for sustainable development on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba through cooperation with key international partners. It does so by providing insights into their unique geographic and economic characteristics as well as evaluating ongoing international cooperation in key areas.
Numerous initiatives are underway to enhance key sectors on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba, serving as building blocks toward a more prosperous and attractive position in international networks. The three islands are also positioning themselves as testing grounds for sustainable innovation initiatives.
While several opportunities for future cooperation between the islands and key partners exist, their small size, geographical isolation and limited local capacity bring significant challenges to economic development and resource management.
Enhanced international cooperation can help the islands address these challenges, while also bringing opportunities for mutually beneficial arrangements with key partners.
The report individuates three key recommendations for strengthening the islands’ position and resilience in international networks.
- First, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba should streamline national and international processes of cooperation together with the Dutch government. The islands should create a clear strategy to boost their position in international networks, while the Dutch government could act as a facilitator for international outreach and resource allocation for sustainable development in areas like infrastructure, health, education, and environment.
- Second, access to EU funding should be optimised by the islands. The local administration on the islands should develop capacity-building programmes with partners to strengthen local expertise and ensure eligibility for EU programs. This can significantly boost local economies and enhance resilience.
- Third, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba should increase participation in regional and international platforms. This will allow for easier knowledge exchange and could lead in the future to obtain observer status or membership in these platforms.
Authors: Benedetta Girardi and Irina Patrahau
Contributors: Giulio Damiani and Michel Rademaker
The research was made possible by a financial contribution from Cabinet of the Special Envoy for Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius to The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS).
Cover image: Canva, Coral reef island Bonaire
Webinar Rewatch | Bonaire, Sint Eustatius & Saba in International Networks
On September 18, HCSS and the Cabinet of the Special Envoy for Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius hosted an online seminar on the Islands’ position in a changing global landscape.
During the webinar, Special Envoy Edison Rijna, HCSS Deputy Director Michel Rademaker, and HCSS Strategic Analyst Benedetta Girardi discussed the role of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius & Saba in the changing geo-economic landscape, as well as challenges and opportunities to expand cooperation with key partners in priority areas like connectivity (digital, by air and sea), climate change adaptation and mitigation, food security and economic diversification.
Rewatch the webinar here:
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