Bonaire wants to significantly curb population growth and charts a new course towards 2050

KRALENDIJK – Bonaire must significantly strengthen its control over population growth, reduce its dependence on tourism-driven expansion, and invest heavily in housing, infrastructure, nature, and local production. These are among the most important proposals in the final report Vishon Boneiru 2050, submitted by the Executive Council to the Island Council for adoption. The document was received by the Island Council on July 1.

The future vision is intended to guide Bonaire’s development through to 2050. According to the commission, the island cannot continue on its current path. Without clear choices, the report warns, Bonaire risks losing its identity and economic vitality, and irreversible damage could result.

One of the most striking elements concerns population growth. The commission proposes that migration be managed far more selectively, primarily admitting people who are needed in the labor market.

Significantly lower migration balance

According to calculations in the report, if Bonaire maintains an annual positive migration balance of 250 people, the island would have approximately 33,000 inhabitants by 2050. At a balance of 500 per year, that figure rises to around 40,000. If the migration balance remains at approximately 1,000 people per year, as the commission estimates has been the case since 2020, Bonaire could have around 54,000 inhabitants by 2050.

The commission’s conclusion is therefore clear: to keep population growth manageable, the migration balance must be substantially reduced. Bonaire and the Dutch central government should introduce policies to gain greater control over who is permitted to settle on the island. This should also include a review of residency and directorship permits for businesses.

At the same time, migration should not be halted entirely. Due to an ageing population and labor shortages, Bonaire still needs foreign workers, particularly in healthcare, education, hospitality, and technical professions. The guiding principle is therefore targeted and controlled growth.

More tourists not the goal

The commission also proposes a different course for tourism. Rather than pursuing strong visitor growth, Bonaire should focus on attracting tourists who generate more economic value within the island’s existing capacity.

Nature and culture are seen as essential to this approach. The idea is that Bonaire can derive greater value from its tourism offering, precisely through its unique natural environment and distinct identity, without having to accommodate ever-increasing numbers of visitors. The commission states that the island must also be willing to forgo short-term opportunities when they come at the expense of nature or culture.

More housing and infrastructure

A large part of the plans also focuses on addressing backlogs. The current infrastructure, according to the report, has not kept pace with population growth.

By 2050, proposals include paving all roads within built-up areas, improving cycling and walking routes, and enhancing the connection between Rincon and Kralendijk. Drainage systems must also be upgraded, the port optimized, and a second water production facility constructed.

The housing market also receives explicit attention. The social housing stock must be expanded, and ultimately the waiting list for social rental housing must be eliminated. Additionally, owner-occupied homes should become more accessible for middle-income households, and more attention must be paid to suitable housing for the elderly.

Less dependent on imports

Economically, the vision calls for Bonaire to become more self-sufficient. This does not mean the island must be entirely self-reliant, but rather that dependence on international supply chains should be reduced.

The commission highlights increased local production, investment in agriculture, renewable energy, and regional cooperation. Bonaire should also seize new economic opportunities that align with the island’s position within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and its access to international funding.

It is also proposed that the energy supply be fully transitioned to sustainable sources, that wastewater be purified and reused as much as possible, and that the island move toward a circular economy with minimal waste.

Not another report gathering dust

The commission explicitly warns that Vishon Boneiru 2050 must not become a collection of loose ideas from which administrators can cherry-pick. According to the report, the vision must be implemented as a single, coherent framework.

The commission also casts a critical eye on the past. Advisory reports and administrative agreements, it notes, have frequently been drawn up without adequate follow-through. The well-known Pourier report suffered the same fate. Lack of political will, administrative continuity, and public engagement are cited as the underlying causes.

To prevent history from repeating itself, a separate governance structure is proposed. A ministerial-level consultation table should be established, bringing together the Governor of Bonaire and the State Secretary for Home Affairs. In addition, a steering council should monitor day-to-day implementation and be empowered to intervene with both the Public Entity of Bonaire and ministries in The Hague.

Ball in the Island Council’s court

It is ultimately up to the Island Council to formally adopt Vishon Boneiru 2050. The intention is then for the Dutch central government to also adopt the vision as a guiding framework. The Executive Council and the national government would subsequently share joint responsibility for its implementation.

The commission was established in May 2025 by the Executive Council and is chaired by Frits Goedgedrag. Its other members are Joanne Nicastia, Paul Comenencia, Giordano Molina, and Koert van Buiren. The report draws on existing research, data, and consultations with experts and local stakeholders.

Read the full final report here