Zoning regulations are an important tool for reducing climate risks in small islands. They work by controlling where and how development takes place, ensuring that homes, businesses, and infrastructure are not built in areas prone to flooding, coastal erosion, or storm surge. By guiding construction away from high-risk zones and promoting safer land use, zoning helps protect lives and property while reducing future disaster costs. Zoning regulations should be based on (flood) risk assessments and hazard maps, and should be aligned with building codes and further integrated into urban adaptation strategies.
Feasibility & Local Applicability
The feasibility of zoning regulations in Caribbean islands depends on several interconnected factors. Limited land availability makes it challenging to restrict development in high-risk areas without creating housing shortages. Economic pressures from tourism and real estate often lead to resistance against coastal development restrictions. Weak institutional capacity and outdated zoning maps can hinder enforcement, while lack of accurate climate risk data reduces the effectiveness of planning. Community acceptance is another key factor, as relocation or land-use restrictions may conflict with cultural ties and livelihoods. Finally, strong political will and long-term commitment are essential to implement and maintain zoning regulations effectively.
Co-benefits
Well-planned zoning also supports sustainable land use, preserving natural buffers like wetlands and mangroves that reduce storm impacts and provide biodiversity benefits. By guiding development toward safer zones, zoning can improve infrastructure efficiency and reduce insurance costs for homeowners. Additionally, it promotes orderly urban growth, reducing congestion and improving access to services.
Equity & Vulnerability Considerations
Regulations should ensure that restrictions on development in high-risk areas do not disproportionately affect low-income or marginalized communities, who often have fewer housing options and limited resources to relocate. It is important to provide affordable alternatives and support for those displaced by zoning changes, including access to safe housing and livelihoods. Community participation in planning is essential so that decisions reflect local needs and cultural ties to land. Additionally, zoning should prioritize protecting critical services and infrastructure for vulnerable groups, ensuring fair access to safe spaces and reducing social inequalities while improving resilience.
Costs
Medium – High | The costs of implementing zoning regulations vary depending on factors such as the need for updated hazard maps, legal and institutional reforms, and community engagement processes. In small islands, limited technical capacity and land availability can increase planning and enforcement expenses. While upfront investments may be significant, zoning can reduce long-term disaster recovery costs and insurance premiums. Opportunity costs—such as restricting development in high-value coastal areas—also play a role, making cost–benefit analysis essential for informed decision-making
Case-studies & Examples
Literature
- Hudson, P., & Botzen, W. W. (2019). Cost–benefit analysis of floodâzoning policies: A review of current practice. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Water, 6(6), e1387.
- Kautsary, J., & Rahman, B. (2024). Evaluation Of Zoning Regulations in Coastal Areas for Disaster Risk Reduction of Climate Change. In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (Vol. 1321, No. 1, p. 012004). IOP Publishing.
- King, D., Gurtner, Y., Firdaus, A., Harwood, S., & Cottrell, A. (2016). Land use planning for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation: Operationalizing policy and legislation at local levels. International journal of disaster resilience in the built environment, 7(2), 158-172.