Deforestation of vegetated hillsides, embankments and slopes increases erosion and degradation of the soil. During times of heavy rainfall this may lead to mud streams, landslides and floods. Reforesting these areas with species like specific plants, endemic trees, or legume species will protect lower lying (urban) area’s and increase soil health.
Feasibility & Local Applicability
Medium–High. Dependent on environmental conditions, local species and knowledge available, geomorphology, and capacity to monitor and maintain seedlings.
Co-benefits
Biodiversity, carbon sequestration
Reforestation of degrades slopes also contributes to carbon capture and climate mitigation. It increases biodiversity and ecosystem health. For example, if forest restoration occurs on Bonaire, many of the butterflies now only known for Curaçao may be able to re-settle successfully on Bonaire.
Equity & Vulnerability Considerations
Reforestation projects can be carried out on larger scales or can be community based. In either case, communities should be involved in planning and implementing reforestation activities. Reforestation efforts can increase security of villages and communities when implemented effectively and in the right areas. Capacity-building on reforestation options and techniques, can empower communities to independently increase their resilience and revitalize surrounding ecosystems – however adequate support in funds, knowledge and materials needs to be provided.
Costs
Medium
Case studies & Examples
Reforestation Aruba:
Reforestation St. Eustatius:
Nature restoration on Bonaire
Literature
- de Boer, R. A., Molenaar, R. E., Dankers, R., van Klaveren, S., de Rooij, B., & Verweij, P. (2023). Nature-based Solutions for flood resilience on Bonaire: A scoping study. (Report / Wageningen Environmental Research; No. 3292). Wageningen Environmental Research.
- Chazdon, R. L., & Uriarte, M. (2016). Natural regeneration in the context of large‐scale forest and landscape restoration in the tropics. Biotropica, 48(6), 709-715.
- Debrot, A. O. (Ed.), Henkens, R. J. H. G. (Ed.), Verweij, P. J. F. M. (Ed.), van den Burg, M. P. (Ed.), Meesters, E. H. (Ed.), Baldwin, C., Becking, L. E., Bertuol, P., Beukenboom, E., Boeken, M., Boman, B. E., Brunel, T. P. A., Butler, E., van Buurt, G., Clements, O. N., Deanda, D., Dogruer, G., Eckrich, C., Engel, M. S., ... Wulf, K. (2025). State of Nature Report for the Caribbean Netherlands, 2024: A second 6-year assessment of the Conservation State, threats and management implications for habitats and species in the Caribbean Netherlands. (Wageningen Marine Research report; No. C001/25). Wageningen Marine Research.
- Ministeries van Landbouw, Natuur en Voedselkwaliteit, Infrastructuur en Waterstaat en Binnenlandse zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties. Plan voor land en water; beleidsplan natuur en milieu Caribisch Nederland 2020-2030
- Mira, E., Rousteau, A., Tournebize, R., Labbouz, L., Robert, M., & Evette, A. (2022). The conservation and restoration of riparian forests along Caribbean riverbanks using legume trees. Sustainability, 14(7), 3709.
- Ozment, S., Gonzalez, M., Schumacher, A., Oliver, E., Morales, G., Gartner, T., Silva Zuniga, M. C., Grunwaldt, A., & Watson, G. (2021). Nature-based Solutions in Latin America and the Caribbean: Regional Status and Priorities for Growth.
- Verweij, P., Cormont, A., de Rooij, B., Bolt, J., van den Burg, S., Kramer, H., Post, P., Tromp, S., & Jones-Walters, L. (2024). Exploring images of a future Aruba: A positive future for people and nature. (Report / Wageningen Environmental Research; No. 3400). Wageningen Environmental Research.
- Witteveen & Bos (2024). Climate change and adaptation efforts BES islands. Final Report.