Restoring Heritage Waterworks for Climate Adaptation on Curaçao: A Case Study at Hòfi Rooi Catootje

Authors

  • Kasper Lendering Awa-Consult
  • Dimitri Schreuder Wageningen University & Research image/svg+xml

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58981/ykkesw90

Published

2026-08-09

Issue

Water & Heritage for Sustainable Development

Section

methodologies and case studies

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Kasper Lendering, Dimitri Schreuder

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Lendering, K., & Schreuder, D. (2026). Restoring Heritage Waterworks for Climate Adaptation on Curaçao: A Case Study at Hòfi Rooi Catootje. Blue Papers. https://doi.org/10.58981/ykkesw90

Keywords:

water heritage, climate adaptation, groundwater replenishment, water retention, flood management

Abstract

Historic water systems should be recognized not only as cultural heritage but as active assets for climate adaptation. The case of Hòfi Rooi Catootje in Curaçao illustrates how the restoration of earthen dams and spillways can contribute to contemporary water management by reducing flash flood risk, supporting groundwater recharge and creating cooler green spaces in urbanized areas. This integrated approach connects directly to the UN 2030 Agenda, advancing sustainable water management (SDG 6), resilient cities and heritage protection (SDG 11) and climate action (SDG 13). By combining historical cartography, hydrological modeling and community engagement, the project demonstrates how heritage landscapes can be mobilized as nature-based solutions. The lessons extend beyond Curaçao, offering a transferable model for other heritage sites where neglected water systems hold potential for sustainable development and climate resilience in the decades ahead.

Author Biographies

  • Kasper Lendering, Awa-Consult

    Kasper Lendering is a civil engineer with a PhD in Flood Risk Management from Delft University of Technology. He specializes in water management and climate adaptation in urban and coastal areas. As founder of Awa-Consult, he has worked on projects in Curaçao, Grenada, Saint Lucia, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh. Kasper is known for translating scientific research into actionable, pragmatic solutions, bridging the gap between technical innovation and on-the-ground realities to help communities build resilience against climate risks.

  • Dimitri Schreuder, Wageningen University & Research

    Dimitri Schreuder is a master’s student in International Land and Water Management at Wageningen University & Research with a background in water management and hydraulic engineering. He combines technical expertise in water systems and climate adaptation with a growing interest in the social and governance dimensions of sustainable water management. Dimitri enjoys working at the intersection of technology, people, and policy, and is motivated to contribute to projects that help communities adapt to climate change through innovative and inclusive water solutions.

References

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