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SISSTEM is an acronym for "Sustainable Island Solutions through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)". The goal of the program is to educate, research and develop sustainable solutions for small island state through STEM. Indeed, sustainable development is on the global agenda, but especially small island states are vulnerable due to their small size and the many (largely external) challenges they face. Academic research needs to play a pivotal role in the implementation of sustainable development policies and the corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Publication Mapping for Sustainable Development: Comparing different mapping techniques for monitoring mangroves to reach SDG 15 and 6(2024-09-09) Ricker, Britta; Eppinga, Maarten; Jurgens, Sharona; Mijts, EricMapping the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) is necessary to identify where to place localized interventions to meet these goals. The UN Statistics Agency is responsible for establishing and curating SDG indicator data to measure how close or far each country is to achieving the goals. Each UN member state may voluntarily share their SDG indicator data as a form of data sovereignty. While the value of mapping the SDGs is clear, governments are not urged to collect or share spatial data for mapping the SDGs. Many countries with the most missing SDG data are islands, some of the most vulnerable countries (Gosling-Goldsmith et al., 2020). SDG indicators related to the environment can be challenging to collect and require localized data collection strategies, otherwise valuable and vulnerable ecosystems may risk being missed from data collection efforts (Hák et al., 2016; Kulonen et al., 2019).Publication Island Innovation Policy Brief: Exploring amplified Food Security vulnerabilities in Curacao, Aruba and Sint Maarten amidst the COVID-19 pandemic(Island Innovation, 2024) de Kort, Rendell; de Jong, Rosemarijn; Hoogstad, Eugène; Carmona Báez, Antonio; Echteld, Elisabeth; Mijts, EricThis research examines the vulnerabilities in food systems of island communities, heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Partnering with the World Food Programme in the Caribbean, it leverages data for comparative analysis across the region. Utilizing data from this collaboration and the ZonMw research project, the study explores the complex interplay of economic, environmental, and other factors contributing to these vulnerabilities.Publication The carbon footprint of vegetable imports into Aruba: A closer look at sea and air transport(Elsevier, 2024) van Veghel, Amber; Sultan, Salys; Geeraerd Ameryckx, AnnemieThis study aimed to give insights into low-carbon vegetable import strategies for Aruba, a Dutch Caribbean island. Our selected products were potatoes, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and green beans. The products originated from 13 different countries, and 25 product-country combinations were identified. The system boundaries were from the farm until arrival at the supermarket. We identified actual maritime transport routes, and calculated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of passenger aircrafts flying from Amsterdam to Aruba. Vegetables imported by air had significantly higher GHG emissions (4.2–8.3 kg CO2eq per kg) than products imported by sea (0.4–2.3 kg CO2eq per kg). GHG emissions of road transport generally contributed more than those of other life cycle stages, except when products showed a high contribution of agriculture. Although sea transport was calculated with much detail, it usually did not contribute much to the GHG emissions. We recommend Life Cycle Practitioners to consider aircraft characteristics when calculating GHG emissions of air transport, and to include the weight of the 80 kg AKE container, used for cooled airfreight, when allocating impacts between passengers and freight. For this case study, GHG emissions of specific passenger aircrafts always resulted in lower GHG emissions compared to generic calculations.Publication SISSTEM 2023(University of Aruba, 2023) SISSTEMPublication Offshore Wind Generator Possibilities in Small Island States(University of Aruba and University College Utrecht, 2024) Ruiz, Isabelle; Mijts, Eric; Ballantyne, Jocelyn; Rodriguez, CarlosPublication Unveiling Hotspots in Hydroponic Lettuce Production(2024) Falcon, Alexandra; Mijts, Eric; Ballantyne, Jocelyn; Rodriguez, CarlosPublication Speech-to-Text model for keyword spotting applications in the Papiamento language(University of Aruba and University College Utrecht, 2024) Riven Rajnherc, Joel; Mijts, Eric; Ballantyne, Jocelyn; Rodriguez, CarlosPublication Mangrove Mapping and Conservation on Bonaire: A Comprehensive Study(University of Aruba and University College Utrecht, 2024) Domacassé, Abigayle; Mijts, Eric; Ballantyne, Jocelyn; Rodriguez, CarlosPublication Uncovering the Relationships between Urbanization, Forest Clearance, and Urban Heat Islands(University of Aruba and University College Utrecht, 2024) Franken, Shanisse; Mijts, Eric; Ballantyne, Jocelyn; Rodriguez, CarlosPublication Food drying and food security: the case of the Aruban mango(University of Aruba and University College Utrecht, 2024) Obispo, Siguerd; Mijts, Eric; Ballantyne, Jocelyn; Rodriguez, CarlosPublication Navigating the Path to Sustainable Medical Waste Management in Aruba: Unveiling Challenges and Solutions(University of Aruba and University College Utrecht, 2024) Pieternella, Francine; Mijts, Eric; Ballantyne, Jocelyn; Rodriguez, CarlosPublication Small Islands And Ecology: How Can Citizen Science Contribute To Aruba’s Sustainable Development Goals Indicators?(University of Aruba, 2022-06-05) van der Biezen, TracyThe aim of this dissertation was to analyze the area surrounding how citizen science can contribute to Aruba’s SDG indicators. The answer found is multilayered, firstly citizen science projects conducted in SIDS are already mostly in a position to contribute in the aspect of type of data collected. Secondly, there are a variety of opportunities and challenges that citizen science projects may experience, both in relation to general challenges as well as island-specific and SDG specific challenges, these should be kept in mind. Lastly, best practices were suggested for collaboration with the corresponding office compiling the indicator, using internationally established methodology and forming a working group for the indicator that the citizen science project would like to contribute. Citizen science can contribute to Aruba’s (ecological) SDG indicators by aiding in data collection, forming working relationship with relevant stakeholders, creating awareness for sustainability while also contributing to non-SDG environmental indicators on Aruba.Publication Food Production and post COVID-19 Aruban food security(University of Aruba, 2024-08-10) Moreno Ramirez, AlejandraThe COVID-19 pandemic affected the world in multiple ways, one of them being the exacerbation of food insecurity worldwide. This paper seeks to find out how the COVID-19 pandemic affected Aruba’s food production. Through analyzing existing literature, WFP survey answers from the local population and interviewing local stakeholders. During the brunt of the pandemic, it appeared that the Aruban community had taken matters into their own hands and started producing their own food. The island does not have favorable conditions to grow crops. The intervention of technological applications is necessary to sustainably grow food on the island. In the end it seems that the island’s purchasing power is what is maintaining food security.Publication Comparative Analysis of CO2 Emissions from Diesel and Electric Buses: A Case Study of Aruba Airport Authority N.V.(University of Aruba, 2023-07-30) Kelly, ArmandThis research presents a comparative analysis of CO2 emissions from diesel and electric buses, focusing on the case study of Aruba Airport Authority N.V. The study aims to assess the environmental impact of the airport's transportation fleet and identify opportunities for reducing carbon emissions. One of the key aspects explored is the unique equipment usage at the airport, measured in hours of operation rather than traditional kilometers traveled. Additionally, data availability emerged as a significant obstacle during the research, hindering the establishment of a comprehensive emissions profile. However, for the electricity supply from the local grid (WEB) with an emission factor of 0.7 kg CO2 /kWh the potential benefits of transitioning to electric buses were evaluated. The research concludes by proposing a partnership in the form of a complex adaptive system to foster collaboration and address the needs of all stakeholders involved in implementing sustainable transport solutions at the airport.Publication Albion strawberries in tropical climate: A study on water and energy consumption(University of Aruba, 2024-06-30) Brooks, EndyThis bachelor thesis investigates the feasibility of cultivating Albion strawberries in a controlled vertical farming environment in Aruba as part of a crop diversification pilot program. This innovative approach aims to enhance food security and increase resilience by focusing on a high-value crop like Albion strawberries. The primary research question addressed is: "What is the feasibility of farming Albion strawberries in a controlled environment concerning water and energy usage within a small Island State context?" A detailed water assessment was conducted through an evapotranspiration experiment involving four Albion strawberry plants over three weeks. The results indicated fluctuations in evapotranspiration rates, with rates varying from 22.94 ml/day to 33.94 ml/day due to soil moisture dynamics and environmental conditions. Plant quality assessments, including height, leaf count, and flower development, revealed stress symptoms such as light brown patches and flower burn, attributed to inadequate relative humidity and potential nutrient imbalances. Energy consumption was closely monitored, with air conditioning accounting for 90.3% of the total energy usage. An estimated 5821.3 kg of CO2 emissions per year underscores the importance of sustainable practices in strawberry production. This research provides data on water and electricity consumption, contributing to understanding the environmental impact of indoor vertical farming. The findings highlight the challenges and potential solutions for implementing vertical farming in small Island States, emphasizing the need for optimized environmental conditions to ensure plant health and productivity.Publication Citizen Science as a Tool to Track Plastic Waste Data in Aruba.(University of Aruba, 2023-03-10) Frank, MichelExcessive waste and plastic pollution are globally recognized problems, as well as in Small Island Development States (SIDS). SIDS are vulnerable to pollution generated by plastic waste produced by the local population and plastic waste that tourists generate. There is a lack of data on the volume of post-consumer plastic waste, and one approach to collect the necessary data is through the involvement of citizens, so-called citizen science (CS), using digital tools. This paper is about the research on specifications for a digital waste data collection tool for tourists in Aruba through CS. With CS, citizens collect data for a research project; in this case, tourists are involved. The digital tool will be potentially developed based on the findings of this study, for which research was done through a survey and desk research on cases related to CS, plastic waste, and different existing software and applications that can and are already being used in CS projects. Research through literature and the survey shows tourists' interest and positive intention to participate in a CS project and how to optimally engage with this digital tool. In-depth research was explicitly done on CS by tourists. At the same time, available online sustainability applications and websites provided recommendations for the specifications for this new digital tool, which, e.g., needs to be free, informative, easy to use, shareable, playful, and rewarding. Results of this study also show that tourism is the main contributor to plastic waste produced globally, and of which most plastic is used out of comfort and for single usage. Of the single-use plastic (SUP), plastic water bottles contribute the most to plastic waste. The overall outcome of this research inclines positively toward the actual development of the plastic waste data collection tool to be used by tourists.Publication Sorting Waste in a Smart Way: Conceptual Design of a User-Centered Smart Bin for the Improvement of Waste Sorting for Small Island Communities: The Case of the University of Aruba(University of Aruba, 2024-06-05) Ulacio, AlexandraPrevious research on smart bin designs has not sufficiently explored the unique preferences and challenges faced by communities in small island states (SIS). These nations often struggle with waste management due to underdeveloped research and sustainable practices, with waste sorting being a notable issue. This bachelor thesis investigates current waste sorting challenges in the SIS context and develops a user-centered smart bin design to address these issues. Utilizing the comprehensive methodology of design thinking, the research was conducted by employing various methods categorized into six research themes aimed at answering the research questions. The study involved a sample group of students and staff members from the University of Aruba, who participated in interviews, observations, and focus groups. Additionally, brainstorming sessions were held with industry experts, and analysis methods were carried out by the research team. The findings revealed specific user preferences for technical features and architectural design elements that enhance motivation and awareness. Incorporating these considerations into a smart bin design can potentially address the lack of motivation and awareness, thereby increasing engagement in waste sorting activities on campus. Further research is recommended to investigate the generalizability and effectiveness of these findings considering different socio-culture factors.Publication Uncovering the Relationship Between Urbanization, Vegetation and Urban Heat Islands: A Correlation Assessment in Aruba(University of Aruba, 2024-09-09) Franken, ShanisseTropical dry forests provide protection for thousands of species, food, medicine, and livelihoods, but are not shown the same value of importance in regards to nature preservation compared to tropical rainforests and thus fall victim to deforestation and urbanization. These actions negatively impact the environment by releasing trapped carbon, reducing soil stability, and altering the urban thermal environment, causing alterations in the land surface temperature (LST). Therefore, this research focuses on analyzing the relationship between vegetation, urbanization, and urban heat islands (UHI) in Aruba by using Google Earth Engine (GEE). The main research question of this paper is: ‘‘Does urbanization and forest clearance form urban heat islands in Aruba” with three sub-questions: 1) How has land surface temperature (LST) varied in the last 10 years? 2) What is the relationship between the normalized difference vegetation index and land surface temperature? and 3) How do land surface temperatures vary between rural areas and urbanized areas? The results indicate that urbanization and deforestation form urban heat islands in Aruba where most urbanized areas in Aruba experience the effects of urban heat islands (UHI) with an average surface urban heat island (SUHI) value of 0.67°C, however, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) is not the dominant influencing factor. It is hoped that these results can assist with sustainable urban planning and highlight the urgency to implement mitigating strategies to improve the livelihoods of the population while also assisting Aruba in becoming a more sustainable island by complying with Sustainable Development Goal #11 to make “cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”.Publication Valorization of Reverse Osmosis Brines in Small Islands(KU Leuven, 2024) Acevedo, DiegoPublication The Universiteit van Aruba heeft samenleving steeds meer te bieden.(University of Aruba, 2023) Mijts, Eric