Island(er)s at the Helm end conference:
New perspectives on climate challenges in the (Dutch) Caribbean
New perspectives on climate challenges in the (Dutch) Caribbean
Site visit to Rooi Catootje
Date & time: Wednesday 22 October from 14.30-17.30 PM
Number of participants: max. 25
This site visit to Rooi Catootje addresses Curaçao’s historic water systems and their relevance to today’s climate challenges.
Past: Traditional techniques such as dams, wells, and catchment systems once kept scarce rainwater on land, sustaining agriculture while shaping the island’s architecture and archaeology.
Present: Many of these systems are deteriorating or being damaged by development projects, as they lack legal protection. As a result, water now flows rapidly to the sea, reducing groundwater recharge and putting pressure on both communities and ecosystems.
Future: National climate adaptation projects focused on water management and shoreline protection offer an opportunity to revive traditional practices, combine them with technology, and create a more resilient approach to water and heritage.
This visit emphasizes the importance of viewing water not only as a resource, but also as part of Curaçao’s cultural memory and ecological future.