BES Gezant Rijna zet Klimaattafel Bonaire in Brussels zonnetje
Bron: Dossier Koninkrijksrelaties
Brussel – Sprekend namens Nederland heeft BES Gezant Edison Rijna vandaag in Brussel tijdens het Green Overseas Climate Finance Forum van de EU de ‘Klimaattafel Bonaire’ als hoopvol voorbeeld genoemd dat voor eilandstaten samenwerking nodig is om de gevolgen van klimaatverandering het hoofd te kunnen bieden.
“Op het eiland Bonaire, waar ik woon, zijn we iets begonnen dat me hoop geeft: de Klimaattafel. De voorzitter van dit initiatief, de heer Nolly Oleana, is vandaag hier bij ons in de zaal. Dit initiatief brengt iedereen aan dezelfde tafel: lokale overheid, gemeenschap, wetenschappers en bedrijven. Er zullen echte oplossingen worden besproken voor klimaatadaptatie en zelfs mitigatie. Dit is niet zomaar een praatplatform; het is een plek waar mensen actief kunnen samenwerken en actie ondernemen”, aldus Rijna.
“Een andere bron van hoop is het Clean Energy for EU Islands-programma. Bonaire, Saba en Sint Eustatius maken deel uit van dit initiatief, dat deuren opent die normaal gesloten blijven voor de LGO’s. Via dit programma vinden we manieren om onze afhankelijkheid van fossiele brandstoffen te verminderen en over te schakelen op hernieuwbare energie. Deze initiatieven laten ons zien wat mogelijk is wanneer we samenwerken en streven naar innovatieve oplossingen. En precies deze geest hebben we meer nodig.”
Centraal thema tijdens het vierdaagse Green Overseas Climate Finance Forum is antwoord te vinden op de vraag hoe de overzeese landen en gebieden van de EU voldoende financiën kunnen verwerven om de uitdagingen van klimaatverandering te kunnen bekostigen. “Dit Forum biedt ons de mogelijkheid om samen te werken aan de doorbraken die zo hard nodig zijn. Daarom is het zo belangrijk om alle stemmen in deze zaal samen te brengen, van beleidsmakers, financiële instellingen, wetenschappers tot de private sector. Want geen enkele groep kan dit alleen oplossen. Het vergt een gezamenlijke inspanning om buiten de gebaande paden te denken en met echte oplossingen te komen die voor ons werken.”
Toespraak BES Gezant Rijna namens Nederland
It is with true honor and pleasure to stand here today, not just as a representative of The Netherlands, but also as someone who lives on one of the islands in the OCTs, as a son of soil as we say on the islands. As someone who directly feels the impact of climate change in everyday life.
When I walk along the coastline and see the erosion creeping in, or when the drought or storms feels more intense each year, it is a constant reminder that climate change is not a distant threat. It is here, right now, and we are living it.
Our islands are small, remote, and vulnerable in ways that are difficult to describe to those who does not experience it firsthand. But for those of us who call these islands home, we know what is at stake. We watch the sea level rise, we see the coral reefs struggle, and we feel the increasing costs of importing fossil fuels that our islands depend on. Global energy demands are shifting, and as climate change accelerates, the price of fossil fuels is becoming more unpredictable. This leaves us vulnerable, dependent on costly imports that impact not just our energy needs but also our daily lives. These challenges are not only distant or abstract—they are part of our everyday reality, and they demand action.
And that is why this moment is so critical. Today, we come together not just as policymakers, scientists, entrepreneurs or financial experts, but as a collective of people who have a shared purpose. We have a chance to create real change, to find solutions that make a difference to those of us living on the frontlines of climate change.
The Netherlands remains dedicated to exploring ways to unlock climate finance opportunities for the islands. We recognize that accessing multilateral climate funds is often a significant hurdle for the islands.
This Green Overseas Climate Finance Forum provides us with the opportunity to work together towards the breakthroughs that are so urgently needed. Together, we can explore how to overcome obstacles and find new financing opportunities.
We know it is not always easy to access the large multilateral climate funds that many others have at their disposal. But we also know that it is not impossible to access these funds and moreover we cannot afford to wait in having these funds. That is why it is so important to bring together all the voices in this room, being policymakers, financial institutions, scientists, and also the private sector. Because no single group can solve this on its own. It takes a combined effort to think outside the box and to come up with real solutions that work for us.
On the island of Bonaire, where I live, we have started something that fills me with hope, —the “Climate Table.” The chairman of this initiative -Mr. Nolly Oleana- is here today with us in the room. This initiative brings everyone to the same table: local government, community members, scientists, and businesses. Real-world solutions will be discussed for climate adaptation and even mitigation. This is not just a talking shop; it is a platform where people can actively collaborate and take action.
Another source of hope is the Clean Energy for EU Islands Program. Bonaire, Saba, and St. Eustatius are part of this initiative, which has opened doors that are normally closed to the OCT’s. Through this program, we are finding ways to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and shift to renewable energy. This is not just a distant dream— It is something we are starting to see happen, right here on our islands.
These initiatives show us what is possible when we work together and push for innovative solutions. And it is exactly this kind of spirit we need more of.
We need to explore the potential for climate finance, not just for tomorrow, but for today, for the people who are already facing the reality of climate change.
The road to developing climate finance is not easy. It requires vision, boldness, and, most importantly, cooperation. The Netherlands remains dedicated to working with all of us to find out-of-the-box solutions that are necessary to provide access to climate finance for the OCTs. And I see it as my job, working for The Netherlands, and as a son of soil on behalf of our beloved islands, to keep pushing for solutions and to build bridges between all different parties involved.
So as we gather this week here in Brussels, let us remember the urgency of our work. Let us remember the communities that are counting on us to bring back real, actionable solutions for the impacts of climate change.
I would like to extend a special thank you for the organizers of this important forum. Together, we can make sure that the OCTs, and all of our islands, are not left behind. Together, we can turn the tide. I wish you all a productive forum.