While Bonaire residents consider the island a lovely and pleasant place to live, pollution and its effects on health need to be addressed. Residents are most concerned about the ever-increasing amounts of waste and fires at the Lagun landfill site. According to the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), measures to improve this situation are urgently required. RIVM also recommends taking measurements in and around the landfill site and assessing the health of local residents.
Besides the landfill site, other factors contributing to pollution of the living environment include litter, traffic, dust, noise, and contaminated water. This was revealed by exploratory research on environmental pollution and the associated health effects on Bonaire. RIVM explored previous research on Bonaire’s environment. RIVM also consulted organizations and local community groups that concern themselves with environmental and health issues. Additionally, residents’ opinions about their surroundings were surveyed by means of a questionnaire.
Measures required at Lagun landfill site
People living near the landfill site have been experiencing various health problems for a long time. When fires occur at the landfill, these residents experience breathing problems, coughing, and eye irritation.
According to RIVM, measures to address the situation are urgently required. Other organizations such as the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) have also made recommendations previously. Potential measures are effective waste containment at the landfill site, improved waste processing, and preventing and extinguishing waste fires.
Additionally, RIVM recommends performing measurements at the landfill site and in nearby neighborhoods to detect any substances being released with the potential to affect public health. By investigating local residents’ health problems, concerns, and mental well-being, the government of Bonaire can help improve public health. RIVM emphasizes that such investigations should not be allowed to impede the speedy implementation of measures to address the situation at the landfill site.
Gaining insight into pollution and health across the island
RIVM recommends gaining more insight into pollution and the associated health effects for the whole island. Little is known in this regard currently. Again, measures should be implemented if possible and further research conducted as needed. Which measures or studies these are will depend on the specific issues.
RIVM recommends making use of the results of existing research on the health of the island’s residents such as the Gezondheidsmonitor (Omnibus) and research on the impact of infectious diseases and living conditions (PIENTER).
Recommendation to Bonaire government to address residents’ concerns
Residents of Bonaire are concerned about pollution on the island and the associated health effects. They want the local authorities (Public Entity Bonaire) to take action and communicate this clearly. RIVM recommends that the Public Entity respond to these demands.
RIVM conducted this exploratory research on behalf of the Public Entity Bonaire in the second half of 2025.