The residents of Bonaire and Greenpeace Netherlands have been declared the winner of the Issue Award 2025. With their lawsuit against the Dutch State, they powerfully draw attention to climate change and colonial inequality. During the Issue Congress on January 23, the award will be officially presented to the residents of Bonaire and Greenpeace.
Eight residents of Bonaire and Greenpeace started a lawsuit against the Dutch state in January 2024. They demand more protection against the consequences of climate change and an acceleration in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In September 2024, the court in The Hague decided that Greenpeace may conduct this case on behalf of the general interest of Bonaire. The first hearing is scheduled for later in 2025.
The jury praised the action for several reasons. Bonaire is often seen as a holiday destination, which means that the daily challenges of the inhabitants, such as extreme heat due to climate change, do not receive sufficient attention. Furthermore, this lawsuit emphasizes the growing self-awareness of colonized areas within the Kingdom and their fight against discrimination. The fact that the inhabitants of Bonaire unite with Greenpeace in a bottom-up approach is particularly powerful. The jury considered not awarding the award this year due to all the dramatic developments in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan. In fact, each subject in itself is too small compared to the problems in the world. Nevertheless, the jury decided to award the Bonaire and Greenpeace lawsuit the award because of the special nature of this lawsuit.
Joris Backer, chairman of the jury: “These topics do not only affect Bonaire, but also have a universal dimension. They symbolize emancipation and justice,” says Joris. “The Issue Award is not only about recognizing a specific issue, but also about forcefully putting themes on the agenda that would otherwise remain underexposed. The choice for Bonaire and Greenpeace emphasizes that both climate justice and equality in the Kingdom must be a priority. These are urgent topics that deserve to be central to our social debate.”
The residents of Bonaire and Greenpeace are delighted to have won the Issue Award 2025. Danique Martis, one of the claimants on Bonaire: “Winning this award feels like recognition that we have put this problem on the map. It is very important that the Dutch state finally takes the problems of the islands seriously. We have been forgotten for too long.”
Eefje de Kroon, climate justice expert at Greenpeace: “Our government has known for years that climate change is very dangerous for people in the Caribbean. Given the history of slavery and colonialism, you would expect that they would provide extra protection for our fellow citizens on Bonaire. But nothing could be further from the truth. By working together with courageous residents of Bonaire, we are now forcing the government to take action. This award feels like a pat on the back.”
