Plastic pollution is a major global environmental issue, and its impact is even more pronounced in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Curaçao. These islands face unique challenges due to limited resources, heavy reliance on imports, and complex socio-cultural dynamics that complicate waste management. This study aimed to investigate plastic pollution in Curaçao by examining the local system, identifying challenges in policy design, and proposing effective strategies to mitigate environmental impact. The scientific knowledge gap lies in the limited understanding of how plastic pollution systems function in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the specific challenges they face when designing and implementing effective environmental policies.

The research focused on two objectives:

Understanding the dynamics of plastic pollution in Curaçao.Investigating the specific challenges in designing policies for plastic waste management.

Methodology:
A mixed-methods approach was used to achieve these objectives, combining stakeholder analysis, interviews, and observations. A framework was developed from existing literature to understand plastic pollution in Curaçao better. Stakeholder analysis identified key actors in managing plastic pollution, including government agencies, NGOs, recycling companies, and private sector participants. Interviews with these stakeholders, in which the plastic pollution and policy tool frameworks were discussed, provided insights into the plastic pollution system and policy implementation challenges. Field observations were conducted to assess waste management practices on the island, including illegal dumping and recycling efforts. Additionally, articles and reports on plastic pollution were reviewed to support other findings.

Key Findings:
This research on plastic pollution in Curaçao has yielded several critical insights:

Implementation Gaps: Despite the government’s ambitious goals to address plastic pollution, substantial gaps exist between these goals and their implementation. Limited resources, infrastructure constraints, street-level bureaucracy, and political volatility hinder effective policy enforcement.Cultural and Socio-Political Challenges: Curaçao’s unique cultural attitudes towards convenience and plastic consumption, along with political and economic instability, complicate efforts to manage plastic pollution. The short-term focus on economic and social issues often overshadows environmental concerns.Stakeholder Perspectives and Local Context: Stakeholders generally agree that the government should lead the charge against plastic pollution; however, there are concerns regarding the suitability and implementation of proposed solutions. A one-size-fits-all approach is impractical; tailored solutions considering Curaçao’s local context are essential.Framework for Action: The redesigned framework emphasizes rethinking plastic importation, reducing consumption, improving recycling rates, combating illegal disposal, and maintaining a clean island. This localized approach addresses the specific drivers of plastic pollution on the island.Barriers to Effective Policy: Key barriers include resource constraints, political challenges, lack of public awareness, and street-level bureaucracy. These factors collectively impede the development and implementation of effective environmental policies.

Contributions to Theory:
This research extends Alpizar’s framework to better fit the plastic pollution systems of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). It considers context-specific factors that influence these systems, enabling the identification of crucial battle arenas for effective intervention. Additionally, the study clarifies the role of street-level bureaucracy in enforcement and waste management within SIDS. It reveals how the limitations faced by frontline bureaucrats complicate the design and implementation of policies, emphasizing the need for practical solutions that account for these challenges. The findings underscore that effective policy requires a tailored approach; one-size-fits-all solutions for plastic pollution in SIDS are not viable. The cultural dynamics of these islands significantly shape attitudes and consumption patterns, indicating that any successful policy must integrate cultural considerations to resonate with local communities. Finally, the research highlights the impact of political volatility on environmental policy, demonstrating how instability can hinder the development and enforcement of effective plastic pollution strategies. This interplay between culture, politics, and environmental management calls for a nuanced understanding of local contexts in policy design.

Recommendations:
To effectively tackle plastic pollution in Curaçao, several key recommendations emerge:

Enhance Public Education and Expand the Plastic Ban: Launch comprehensive campaigns to promote environmental stewardship while broadening the ban on single-use plastics to include more items, ensuring accessible and sustainable alternatives.Implement a Plastic Deposit System: Introduce a deposit initiative that encourages the return of plastic containers, reducing waste and providing economic benefits.Improve Government Coordination and Support Enforcement: Develop a cohesive waste management strategy with clear roles for stakeholders, strengthen enforcement against illegal dumping, and provide resources and legal protections to front-line workers.Promote Recycling and External Partnerships: Invest in recycling infrastructure to encourage community participation and seek collaborations with NGOs and international entities for funding and expertise.Revise the Legislative Framework: Evaluate and strengthen existing waste management laws to ensure effective enforcement and compliance.

Limitations:
The research on plastic pollution in Curaçao highlights several limitations. The reliance on stakeholder interviews introduces subjectivity, potentially affecting the validity of the findings. The unique socio-cultural and political context of Curaçao limits the generalizability of results to other Small Island Developing States, necessitating localized solutions. The study’s focus on plastic pollution may overlook broader waste management issues. Recommendations are context-specific, emphasizing that a one-size-fits-all approach is impractical. Cultural attitudes towards convenience and plastic use complicate policy implementation, indicating that behavior change requires more than regulatory measures. Lastly, ongoing research is needed to assess long-term policy impacts and explore shared challenges among SIDS.

Future Research:
Much research is needed on plastic pollution, so I suggest starting with these topics:

Exploring a wider range of policies for plastic pollution in SIDS through stakeholder engagement.Conducting comparative studies among Small Island Developing States to identify shared challenges and solutions.Analyzing plastic pollution management evolution in developed countries to uncover effective strategies.Investigating consumer behavior regarding plastic use and disposal in Curaçao and other SIDS.Conducting longitudinal studies on the long-term impacts of policies like single-use plastic bans.

This study highlights the complexities of managing plastic pollution in Curaçao and underscores the need for a localized, culturally sensitive approach to policy design and implementation. While significant challenges remain, coordinated efforts involving government leadership, community engagement, and infrastructure improvements could lead to a more sustainable future. The insights offered a valuable framework for other SIDS facing similar environmental issues.