WILLEMSTAD – As Curaçao faces mounting pressure on its limited land resources from competing demands such as housing, tourism, agriculture, and nature conservation, the way the island manages and organizes its space will have profound consequences for both people and the environment. 

A recent study conducted by researchers from the Institute for Environmental Studies at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and the Swiss WSL Institute explores the potential outcomes of different land-use development scenarios on Curaçao through 2050. The study, titled “Impact-driven spatial planning for future-proofing small island states: A scenario-based land model analysis in Curaçao,” highlights the risks of unchecked growth as well as the benefits of strategic planning. 

The research evaluates two major future scenarios: one where tourism experiences rapid expansion, and another where agriculture gains prominence. In both cases, the findings reveal that without effective land-use regulations, the island risks severe environmental degradation, including polluted coastlines and fragmentation of unique natural habitats. 

However, the report also offers hope. By implementing smart zoning policies and spatial planning, it is possible to significantly reduce negative impacts. The study estimates that careful zoning could reduce the loss of rare vegetation by an average of 32 percent and decrease coastal water pollution, such as nitrogen runoff, by 22 percent. 

Without such controls, a “free market” approach could lead to uncontrolled construction, causing the breakup of nature reserves and generating limited economic benefits per hectare—while inflicting substantial damage on the island’s ecosystems. 

Curaçao’s small land area of just 444 square kilometers, coupled with a population of roughly 150,000, creates intense competition for space. Most development is concentrated around Willemstad and the southwest coast. The island’s economy heavily depends on tourism, while its agricultural sector remains small and vulnerable, especially due to water scarcity. 

The study underscores that this pressure on land use inevitably leads to conflicts of interest among stakeholders vying for space. It calls for urgent attention to spatial planning as a key tool in balancing economic growth with environmental preservation on Curaçao. 

As small island states like Curaçao confront escalating challenges related to sustainable development, climate change, and resource constraints, this research provides critical guidance on how proactive planning can safeguard the island’s natural heritage while supporting its future prosperity.