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Ridge to Reef approach

The Ridge to Reef (R2R) approach is a way of managing land and water that connects what happens in the hills or inland areas (the “ridge”) to what happens downstream in rivers, coastal zones, and coral reefs (the “reef”). By protecting forests, using sustainable farming, and restoring mangroves and wetlands, this approach helps reduce soil erosion, flooding, and pollution. It also keeps water clean and protects marine life. On small islands, where land is limited and ecosystems are closely linked, this is especially important.

For example, when hillsides are cleared or poorly managed, rain can wash soil and waste into the sea, damaging coral reefs and fisheries. The Ridge to Reef approach helps prevent this by promoting healthy ecosystems from the top of the watershed to the coast. Measures to be included in a R2R approach can include the reforestation of degraded slopes, and mangrove restoration efforts. The R2R approach brings together different sectors—like farming, forestry, tourism, and water management—and encourages local communities to take part. This makes islands more resilient to climate change, protects freshwater sources, and reduces the impact of storms and floods

Feasibility & Local Applicability

The success of implementing a Ridge to Reef (R2R) approach in islands like Aruba, St. Martin, and Curaçao depends on several local factors. These include limited land and freshwater resources, fragmented governance, and the need for strong coordination across sectors like agriculture, water, and coastal management. Land use conflicts and unclear ownership can also pose challenges, especially for reforestation or mangrove restoration. Community involvement is essential, but awareness and capacity may vary. Urban development, pollution, and tourism pressures further complicate efforts. Furthermore, budget limitations and reliance on tourism could restrict long-term investments in ecosystem restoration. Nevertheless, international funding from GEF, UNDP and CBF is supporting R2R pilots in the region.

Co-benefits

The Ridge to Reef approach not only helps restore ecosystems in a connected way—from forests and soils to rivers and reefs—but also makes these natural systems more resilient to climate change. This benefits the people who depend on them, such as farmers and fishers, by supporting their livelihoods. In addition, because the approach requires different government departments to work together, it can lead to stronger collaboration and better coordination across policies and sectors.

Equity and Vulnerability Considerations

To ensure the Ridge to Reef (R2R) approach is inclusive and equitable, it is essential to involve local communities in every stage of planning and decision-making. Equity in R2R means recognizing that different groups have different levels of access to resources, knowledge, and power. Projects should be designed to reflect local needs and values, and ensure that benefits—such as improved livelihoods, cleaner water, or disaster protection—are shared fairly. This requires clear communication, capacity-building, and collaboration across sectors and governance levels. By embedding gender equity and social inclusion into R2R efforts, the approach can strengthen both environmental outcomes and social resilience.

Costs

Medium - High | Costs of the Ridge to Reef approach depend on the scale, location and the specific activities or measures required.  While large scale R2R programs typically require multi-million investments, smaller pilot projects can also be effective with more modest budgets, such as community based mangrove restoration.

Case studies & Examples

Literature

Adaptation Options Overview