Sint Eustatius – Bij de opening van de Virtual Island Summit is vandaag veel aandacht uitgegaan naar Sint Eustatius. Het was de bedoeling dat gezaghebber Alida Francis het woord zou voeren, maar omdat zij verplichtingen had in Den Haag, is haar toespraak uitgesproken door dr. Kimani Kitson-Walters, beleidsadviseur Landbouw, Natuur en Milieu.
Aan de digitale eilandentop doen deze week ruim 10.000 deelnemers afkomstig van zo’n 500 eilanden mee. Centraal staan thema’s als klimaatverandering, duurzame energie en economische ontwikkeling.
Opening Remarks at the Virtual Island Summit
By Governor Alida Francis
My Fellow Heads of Government, esteemed colleagues, Ladies and gentlemen joining us in this virtual space, Good Morning, Good afternoon and Good night.
It is a privilege to speak before you today on behalf of the Governor of St. Eustatius at this Virtual Island Summit 2024. This summit, with its focus on eight essential tracks, embodies our collective commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by our island communities. As we gather in this virtual space, we are reminded of the interconnectedness of our islands and the shared responsibility we have to protect our environment and enhance our resilience.
This year’s summit emphasizes the significance of collaboration among islands. The eight tracks—ranging from climate resilience to sustainable agriculture—reflect our need to share knowledge, resources, and best practices. It is through collaboration that we can develop innovative solutions to the pressing issues we face, such as climate change, food insecurity, biodiversity loss, and sustainable economic development.
### Climate Actions on St. Eustatius
On St. Eustatius, we are acutely aware of the impacts of climate change. Recent reports from the Dutch Meteorological Institute highlight the challenges we currently face: increased droughts, more intense temperatures, and more severe weather events. In response, we have embarked on several initiatives aimed at both climate adaptation and mitigation.
We are currently developing our **Climate Plan for St. Eustatius** which will be the cornerstone of our strategy. Developed in partnership with the Dutch Cabinet and various local stakeholders, this plan will outline actionable steps to enhance our island’s resilience. We are focusing on rainwater harvesting in support of agriculture, reforestation, and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
### Agroforestry Pilot Project
I am excited to announce that we along with local farmers will be implementing an agroforestry pilot project funded by the BESTLIFE 2030 Programme. This initiative will integrate native plant species into our agricultural landscapes, creating a more sustainable and productive environment. This pilot project aligns with our broader goals of sustainability and resilience, demonstrating our commitment to innovative solutions that benefit both our environment and our community.
### Renewable Energy Initiatives
Renewable energy has become a pivotal aspect of our strategy to combat climate change and enhance sustainability, meeting 100 % of our energy needs during the day and 55% of our total energy needs. Since the realization of our solar park in 2016 and 2017, we have seen significant financial benefits. Prior to this, we spent approximately USD 0.75 on fuel for every dollar collected, necessitating subsidies to maintain affordable tariffs. The introduction of solar energy has allowed us to avoid a 40% increase in tariffs, effectively reducing the need for these subsidies from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy.
For the future, we are exploring the deployment of wind energy on the island. Diversifying our renewable energy sources is crucial; while solar power is only available during the day, wind energy can contribute at night and on cloudy days. This synergy together with battery storage systems ensures a more stable energy supply, reducing the likelihood of power shortages. However, we must also consider the associated risks, given our location in an active hurricane belt and the vulnerability of wind energy infrastructure to these intense weather systems. We must weigh the costs.
Our goal is to meet 100% of our energy needs through renewable sources. We foresee that we can increase our renewable energy supply to about 85% with solar and wind. However, we would still rely on diesel power for the remaining 20% of our electricity needs. Our island is working assiduously to identify a consistent alternative power source by 2027 to fill this gap to 100%. Additionally, significant expansion of our energy storage capacity is necessary to support this transition. With our participation in the Clean Energy for EU Islands Initiative, we will achieve this goal.
### International Cooperation
St. Eustatius is also an active participant in the International Panel on Deltas and Coastal Areas, which facilitates collaboration among islands and countries facing similar climate challenges. By sharing insights and experiences, we can better prepare for the impacts of climate change and secure the necessary funding to implement our initiatives.
Additionally, our involvement in the EU’s Green Overseas Programme has provided us with valuable training and resources to strengthen our climate resilience. We are committed to building capacity within our community to ensure that we are not only prepared for the present but also equipped for the future.
Through this programme we seek to increase land use efficiency, along with our local farmers we will be testing the feasibility of planting shade tolerant crops beneath our solar panels. If feasible we will reap twice the benefit from 40,000 m2 of solar panels after our energy transition is complete.
### The Role of Innovation
Innovation plays a crucial role in our approach to sustainability. The **Climate Impact Atlas** is one such initiative that aims to enhance public awareness of climate change impacts. By visualizing these effects, we empower our community to engage actively in climate action.
Moreover, our ongoing projects under the Nature and Environment Policy Programme—including coral restoration, reforestation and invasive species control—demonstrate our commitment to biodiversity and ecosystem health. These efforts are vital not only for our environment but also for the livelihoods of our people.
### Conclusion
As we embark on this summit, let us remember that our islands are not isolated; we are part of a larger global community. The challenges we face are significant, but together, we can forge a path toward a sustainable future.
I encourage everyone of us to engage actively in the discussions and workshops throughout this summit. Share your insights, learn from one another, and let us work together to create a resilient future for all our islands.
Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to the fruitful exchanges that await us at the Virtual Island Summit 2024.