Preservering Nature Throughout the Dutch Caribbean

The Conservation and Restoration of Key Habitats Program is a new, regionally coordinated initiative. This initiative is led by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance in partnership with local and regional partners. The program is funded by the Dutch Postcode Loterij with co-funding from WWF-Netherlands and Bloomberg. Rather than focusing on single-species conservation and single islands, this program embraces a holistic regional approach, restoring entire ecosystems to improve climate resilience, enhance biodiversity, and secure long-term ecosystem services for communities across the Dutch Caribbean.

The program targets five key habitats identified as conservation priorities: coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangrove forests, tropical dry forests and scrub, and tropical wet forests. These ecosystems are the foundation of the region’s natural defense system and cultural heritage, but they are increasingly threatened by climate change, development, pollution, invasive species, and habitat degradation. This program marks a shift away from fragmented and reactive conservation efforts toward a unified, evidence-based strategy to regenerate nature at scale.

Why is this Program Important?

The Dutch Caribbean is a biodiversity hotspot with over 220 endemic species and ecosystems that support fisheries, tourism, coastal protection, and cultural identity. These ecosystems are at risk. Habitat degradation is accelerating, driven by overgrazing, erosion, pollution, invasive species, and climate change. Despite strong local efforts, conservation projects often suffer from a lack of continuity, scale, and coordination. Without unified action, we risk reaching a point of no return.

This program answers that challenge:

• It integrates existing and new efforts into a cohesive regional strategy
• It supports conservation and restoration at scale with funding, training, and science-based planning
• It strengthens collaboration, builds capacity, and empowers local action

Coral reef Corals © Casper Douma

Why a Regional Approach?

Nature doesn’t recognize political borders, and neither do its threats. Furthermore, there are disparities in structural funding and political support across the islands. By working together across all six islands, we can:

• Share tools, expertise, and lessons learned
• Attract and manage funding more effectively
• Build a collective voice for advocacy and policy reform
• Ensure that both BES and CAS islands benefit from a long-term vision

What Will the Program Do?

The first phase of this program has been funded by the Dutch Postcode Loterij with co-funding from WWF-Netherlands and Bloomberg. We will aim to complete the following over the next three years:

• Launch conservation and restoration projects through an Island Project Portfolio, focusing first on mangroves and terrestrial vegetation
• Advocate for stronger nature-based policies and protection goals.
• Secure long-term financing for sustainable conservation and restoration

What’s the Impact for Your Island?

Local (conservation) organizations  will have the opportunity to:

• Propose and lead projects tailored to local needs
• Contribute to regional goals through on-the-ground action
• Participate in shared training, outreach, and monitoring
• Help shape the program’s direction and ensure relevance