Roadside erosion is a serious issue in tropical island environments, especially during heavy rainfall events. On steep terrain, unpaved or poorly drained roads can become major sources of sediment runoff, which damages infrastructure and pollutes nearby streams, wetlands, and coastal waters. In Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Martin, erosion can threaten coral reefs and seagrass beds, which are vital for tourism, fisheries, and coastal protection.
Adaptation strategies to reduce roadside erosion include improving road drainage, paving vulnerable sections, stabilizing slopes with vegetation like vetiver grass, and using nature-based solutions such as bio-swales and sediment detention ponds. Riprap—layers of large rocks placed along slopes and drainage channels—can also help absorb water flow and prevent soil loss. These measures help manage runoff, protect ecosystems, and maintain road safety.
Feasibility & Local Applicability
These erosion control methods are feasible and adaptable to local conditions. Many Caribbean islands already use combinations of engineered and nature-based solutions. For example, reshaping slopes and planting vegetation are low-cost and effective techniques that can be implemented with community involvement. However, proper planning and maintenance are essential. Local governments and public works departments need technical guidance and funding to ensure long-term success.
Co-benefits
Reducing roadside erosion has multiple benefits. It improves water quality by preventing sediment from entering rivers and coastal zones. It also protects marine habitats like coral reefs and seagrass beds, which support biodiversity and local economies. Erosion control can extend the lifespan of roads and reduce maintenance costs. In addition, nature-based solutions can enhance landscape aesthetics and provide habitat for wildlife.
Equity & Vulnerability Considerations
Poorly maintained roads often affect low-income populations the most, limiting access to services and increasing safety risks. Involving local residents in planning and implementation can improve outcomes and ensure that solutions are culturally appropriate and widely accepted.
Costs
Low - Medium | The cost of erosion control varies depending on the method used. Vegetative stabilization and basic drainage improvements are relatively low-cost and can be scaled up gradually. More intensive measures, such as paving or installing riprap, require higher investment but offer long-term savings by reducing road damage and environmental degradation.
Case-studies & Examples
Literature
- Kitchell, A., B. Kuchar, and R. Viqueira Ríos. 2021. Unpaved Road Standards for Caribbean and Pacific Islands. Prepared for the NOAA Restoration Center and Coral Reef Conservation Program. 71 pp.
- Klye, D., Johnson, B., Shellberg, J., Gallagher, J., 2025. Erosion Control for Unsealed Roads: A Practical Guideline to Minimise Sediment Discharge, 1st Edition.
- Scharrón, C. E. R., Alicea, E. E., Sanchez, Y. F., LaFevor, M. C., McLaughlin, P., MacDonald, L. H., ... & Rios, R. V. (2023). Three decades of road and trail runoff and erosion work in the northeastern Caribbean–a research program perspective. Journal of the ASABE, 66(1), 35-45.