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Heritage Deal: ‘Awa pa Kòrsou’ project anchors historical waterworks in a climate-resilient future

WILLEMSTAD – On Curaçao and in our immediate region, there is a growing focus on the consequences of climate change. Global changes in weather patterns, such as longer dry periods and more extreme wet periods, are disrupting the usual balance in nature. It is often thought that, as a small island, we have little influence on these looming changes. Indeed, Curaçao has limited impact on global processes resulting from climate change, such as rising sea levels and an increasing shortage of clean drinking water. However, at the local level, we can take precautions to be more prepared for climate change, such as how we manage (fresh) rain- and groundwater. 

WILLEMSTAD

– On Curaçao and in our immediate region, there is a growing focus on the consequences of climate change. Global changes in weather patterns, such as longer dry periods and more extreme wet periods, are disrupting the usual balance in nature. It is often thought that, as a small island, we have little influence on these looming changes. Indeed, Curaçao has limited impact on global processes resulting from climate change, such as rising sea levels and an increasing shortage of clean drinking water. However, at the local level, we can take precautions to be more prepared for climate change, such as how we manage (fresh) rain- and groundwater.

The organizations Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity (Carmabi), Monument Foundation Curaçao, National Archaeological and Anthropological Memory Management Foundation (NAAM), S.A.L.(Mongui) Maduro Foundation, and the technical faculty of the University of Curaçao Dr. Moises Da Costa Gomez collaborate in the ‘Awa pa Kòrsou‘ project to gain more knowledge and insight into the drying, heat stress, and flooding of the Curaçao landscape. 

The organizations Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity (Carmabi), Monument Foundation Curaçao, National Archaeological and Anthropological Memory Management Foundation (NAAM), S.A.L.(Mongui) Maduro Foundation, and the technical faculty of the University of Curaçao Dr. Moises Da Costa Gomez collaborate in the ‘Awa pa Kòrsou‘ project to gain more knowledge and insight into the drying, heat stress, and flooding of the Curaçao landscape.

The project is part of the Heritage Deal, where subsidies from the Dutch government and the Monument Foundation Curaçao are used to create a valuable living environment, emphasizing the heritage, in the form of historical waterworks, playing a significant role. 

The project is part of the Heritage Deal, where subsidies from the Dutch government and the Monument Foundation Curaçao are used to create a valuable living environment, emphasizing the heritage, in the form of historical waterworks, playing a significant role.

Curaçao, classified as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) with a semi-arid climate, is particularly vulnerable in the realm of water management. Like most small Caribbean islands, we lack significant freshwater surfaces such as rivers and lakes that maintain water throughout the year. Through research and the consolidation and restoration of historical water management structures, efforts are underway to establish a climate-resilient design for three specific areas: Savonet, the old plantation area Zevenbergen, and Rooi Catootje. 

Curaçao, classified as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) with a semi-arid climate, is particularly vulnerable in the realm of water management. Like most small Caribbean islands, we lack significant freshwater surfaces such as rivers and lakes that maintain water throughout the year. Through research and the consolidation and restoration of historical water management structures, efforts are underway to establish a climate-resilient design for three specific areas: Savonet, the old plantation area Zevenbergen, and Rooi Catootje.

Naturally, the Curaçao landscape is crisscrossed with a mostly invisible water system of “rooien” (gullies) and dams. “Rooien” are patterns of channels that fill up (and overflow) during rain showers and then dry up (almost completely) afterward. The rainwater in the “rooien” is stored in the soil or flows towards the sea. Over time, erosion from the drainage of rainwater through “rooien” has even created the “boka’s” (bays). 

Naturally, the Curaçao landscape is crisscrossed with a mostly invisible water system of “rooien” (gullies) and dams. “Rooien” are patterns of channels that fill up (and overflow) during rain showers and then dry up (almost completely) afterward. The rainwater in the “rooien” is stored in the soil or flows towards the sea. Over time, erosion from the drainage of rainwater through “rooien” has even created the “boka’s” (bays).

These natural “rooien” have been used and expanded by Curaçao’s first inhabitants (around 6000 years ago) with earthen and stone dams in the watersheds to retain or divert water. The watersheds of the “rooien” played a crucial role in the location selection for residences, “hòfi’s” (smallholdings), plantation agriculture, and water management for centuries. This natural and cultural-historical water system forms the hydrological and ecological foundation of the island and holds significant heritage values. 

These natural “rooien” have been used and expanded by Curaçao’s first inhabitants (around 6000 years ago) with earthen and stone dams in the watersheds to retain or divert water. The watersheds of the “rooien” played a crucial role in the location selection for residences, “hòfi’s” (smallholdings), plantation agriculture, and water management for centuries. This natural and cultural-historical water system forms the hydrological and ecological foundation of the island and holds significant heritage values.

Due to population growth, evolving perspectives, and the arrival of the refinery in the early 20th century, there was a growing demand for fresh water, leading to the establishment of the precursor to Aqualectra, the Landswatervoorzieningsdienst (LWV). Nowadays, with the convenience of Aqualectra’s water supply, the original “rooien,” dams, wells, and water basins are gradually being neglected, sacrificed for new construction, and fading into obscurity. 

Due to population growth, evolving perspectives, and the arrival of the refinery in the early 20th century, there was a growing demand for fresh water, leading to the establishment of the precursor to Aqualectra, the Landswatervoorzieningsdienst (LWV). Nowadays, with the convenience of Aqualectra’s water supply, the original “rooien,” dams, wells, and water basins are gradually being neglected, sacrificed for new construction, and fading into obscurity.

At the three mentioned locations, old plantation structures are being restored, archaeological and anthropological research is conducted by the NAAM Foundation, hydrological investigations and impact studies are carried out by experts, researchers, and students from the University of Curaçao (UoC), and education programs are developed by Carmabi. The restoration or consolidation work on the historical waterworks is coordinated by the experts from the Monumentenfonds. 

At the three mentioned locations, old plantation structures are being restored, archaeological and anthropological research is conducted by the NAAM Foundation, hydrological investigations and impact studies are carried out by experts, researchers, and students from the University of Curaçao (UoC), and education programs are developed by Carmabi. The restoration or consolidation work on the historical waterworks is coordinated by the experts from the Monumentenfonds.

In addition to restoring structures at these locations, the various organizations gain more knowledge, shared through Living-Labs organized by the UoC in collaboration with partners, experts, and the residents of Curaçao. This knowledge is also used for educational materials, including educational videos for schools, a documentary, and cultural-historical tours at the Savonet, Zevenbergen, and Rooi Catootje sites. 

In addition to restoring structures at these locations, the various organizations gain more knowledge, shared through Living-Labs organized by the UoC in collaboration with partners, experts, and the residents of Curaçao. This knowledge is also used for educational materials, including educational videos for schools, a documentary, and cultural-historical tours at the Savonet, Zevenbergen, and Rooi Catootje sites.

Often, numerous challenges converge. If we don’t retain rainwater, it flows directly into the sea, carrying sand and silt due to rapid currents. Moreover, removing wetlands (mangroves) allows this water to flow directly into the sea, causing sand to scour over the corals. Retaining water and allowing it to seep into the soil are essential for our local agriculture. Agriculture plays a significant role if the island aims for more self-sufficiency. Additionally, it becomes a societal and economic problem when various residential areas and shopping centers frequently experience waterlogging. 

Often, numerous challenges converge. If we don’t retain rainwater, it flows directly into the sea, carrying sand and silt due to rapid currents. Moreover, removing wetlands (mangroves) allows this water to flow directly into the sea, causing sand to scour over the corals. Retaining water and allowing it to seep into the soil are essential for our local agriculture. Agriculture plays a significant role if the island aims for more self-sufficiency. Additionally, it becomes a societal and economic problem when various residential areas and shopping centers frequently experience waterlogging.

With the ‘Awa pa Kòrsou‘ project, the diverse organizations aim not only to acquire more knowledge but also to raise awareness. We don’t have to passively witness global problems affecting us; we can (partially) prepare for them.

With the ‘Awa pa Kòrsou‘ project, the diverse organizations aim not only to acquire more knowledge but also to raise awareness. We don’t have to passively witness global problems affecting us; we can (partially) prepare for them.

https://www.curacaochronicle.com/post/main/heritage-deal-awa-pa-korsou-project-anchors-historical-waterworks-in-a-climate-resilient-future/

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