The Event

A public event is planned on 17 October 2016, from 6 – 8 pm at El Mundo Restaurant. Complimentary welcome drinks will be offered and there will be a happy hour bar available. This event will include presentations by Maurice Adriaens (Tourism Corporation Bonaire), archaeologist Jay Haviser (SIMARC) and Nature Ambassadors Julia Marisol Martinus and Rayen Seraus (Junior Ranger Program STINAPA). During the event, speakers will discuss the importance of protecting Bonaire’s coasts and the role of the conference in studying the sustainability of Caribbean coasts. At the event, there will be an art competition for children and families. The winners will be announced at the end of the night and will receive a special prize. Winning entries will be displayed at the Terramar Museum in Kralendijk.

Bringing Together Earth Science Experts

This conference is a one of a kind opportunity to tackle these issues as it brings together an exceptionally strong team of internationally recognized earth science experts. Prepared by a team consisting of experts in archaeology, biology, geosciences and physics, the conference covers a broad spectrum of highly qualified expertise in Earth System Science.

The 23 000 km of Caribbean coastline is in delicate balance. The Caribbean has been identified as one of the most vulnerable regions in the world considering impacts of these developments on ecosystems and society. While resilient, as people have lived along the coast and used coastal resources in the Caribbean for centuries, global climate change, population pressure and limited resources have put much of the coastline at risk. This means that there is a high risk of sea level changes, coastal erosion, flooding, and other associated factors.

These changes impact not only the shores, but also the communities living along the coastal zone. To effectively address this threat there is an urgent need to develop and implement plans to protect the Caribbean coasts. This conference is important globally as well as locally. Coastal areas and small islands all over the world are experiencing similar issues at increasing rate, and Bonaire is just one of these islands that will continue to experience change at an increasing rate in the future. Action to protect our coasts requires partnership and collaboration. Therefore, the Coastal Dynamics conference is an opportunity for experts of the Caribbean to come together to find sustainable solutions.