Environment on Bonaire

Clean air, healthy water, fertile soil. These are the basics. Without them, there’s nothing to protect. That’s why we’re investing in more than just a beautiful island. We’re working toward a healthier one where both people and ecosystems can thrive.

Why the environment matters

Bonaire is growing. More homes, more traffic, more visitors. But that also means: more waste, more pollution, more pressure on nature. Our living environment is under stress. And that affects everyone.

What feels normal today, like swimming in clean water or breathing fresh air, could quietly slip away if we don’t act.

A smarter plan for a healthier island

The Caribbean Netherlands Nature and Environment Policy Plan 2020–2030 is our roadmap for sustainable change. It focuses on four key environmental priorities:

1. Waste management

We’re cutting down on waste and managing it better. That means cracking down on illegal dumping, improving recycling systems, and supporting circular solutions that give materials a second life. It’s about protecting our nature and using space wisely.

2. Wastewater treatment

Untreated wastewater pollutes our land and sea. We’re improving sewagewater treatment, tightening discharge rules, and enforcing regulations whether at resorts, construction sites, or in neighborhoods.

3. Pollution from traffic and businesses

Fumes. Dust. Noise. Hazardous waste. Industrial zones and high-traffic areas can cause serious harm. New permits now come with stricter standards. Existing operations are more closely monitored to reduce their impact.

4. Encouraging sustainable development

We support residents, developers, and businesses that go green. Whether it’s energy-efficient buildings, water-saving solutions, eco-mobility, or circular business models, sustainability is becoming the new normal.

Enforcement that actually works

Good rules are just the beginning. Making them stick is where it counts. We’re improving permit systems, increasing inspections, and acting fast when violations are found. Our legal tools—the BES Environmental Law and BES Environmental Activities Decree—let us respond quickly to damage, whether it's oil spills, noise complaints, or illegal discharges. Especially near ports, industrial zones, and tourist hotspots.

Environment is more than enforcement

Protecting the environment also means changing how we think, build, and act. Here’s how we’re doing that:

• Circular economy. Less waste. More reuse. Smarter use of materials. We’re building a future-proof system that supports both nature and local economies.
• Sustainable construction. New buildings meet environmental standards. They use less water, less energy, and fewer raw materials. Public spaces are designed to be more climate-resilient.
• Public awareness. Through local campaigns, we show what environmental care means—and how everyone can play a part.
• Partnerships with the community. Real change needs community support. That’s why we collaborate with local businesses, schools, residents, and environmental groups to make cleaner, greener choices together.

Want to be part of the solution?

There’s so much you can do to help. Dive into the projects that are already making a difference. Stay up to date with the latest news and learn how environmental policy is shaping Bonaire’s future. Every step matters and your involvement counts