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Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Development: DCALFA at the Forefront in Brussels

On 4 February 2025, we had the honor of attending an important event in Brussels centered on the launch of the report “Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba in International Networks: Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Development” by The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS). 

the report Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba in International Networks: Strategic partnerships for Sustainable Development 

Hosted at the Permanent Representation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the European Union, the event brought together key figures and stakeholders committed to advancing the development of the Dutch Caribbean.

Among those present were Mr. Roald Lapperre, Director-General of Kingdom Relations at the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, and Edison Reina, Special Envoy for Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba to the EU, UN, and Latin American and Caribbean economic relations. Their presence underscored the importance of strategic cooperation and the central role of the EU in supporting the islands’ development goals.

DCALFA Recognized in Strategic Report

The HCSS report prominently featured DCALFA (Dutch Caribbean Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries & Agroecology), which was highlighted as the only initiative addressing food security across all six Dutch Caribbean islands. This recognition reaffirms DCALFA’s critical mission: developing a unified and sustainable approach to food systems and security in the region.

Food security is one of the four key themes of the report, and our inclusion signals a growing recognition of the strategic importance of collaborative, region-wide efforts to tackle pressing challenges.

Insights from the Panel Discussion

The event featured a dynamic panel moderated by Bianca Peters, with participation from:

Nathalie Maduro, President of DCALFA

Wessel Geursen, Jurist

Catherine Metdepenningen, European Commission

During the panel, Nathalie Maduro emphasized the ethos behind DCALFA:

“It’s not about competition but about collaboration. At DCALFA, we are all about working together.”

The panel explored crucial topics including access to funding, building strategic partnerships, and the importance of collaboration across the region and with European institutions.

DCALFA’s Key Messages at the Event

✔ Strong consortia & knowledge-sharing through networks like DCALFA drive impactful partnerships.

✔ A clear joint strategy & a seat at international tables are essential for the islands.

✔ Turn Climatechallenges into opportunities— such as nature-based solutions, renewable energy & water innovations, regional cooperation is key.

✔ Raising awareness & simplifying funding access for the local community will help unlock international resources.

✔ Local agriculture & fisheries can benefit from tourism demand, leading to scale efficiencies and reduced import dependency. Enhancing foodsecurity can also boost economic growth by creating jobs in farming/fishing and processing.

This event marked an important moment for the Dutch Caribbean in strengthening ties with the EU and positioning our islands as active contributors to sustainable development. DCALFA remains committed to driving forward-thinking, collaborative solutions to ensure food security and economic resilience in the region.