International cooperation for future-proof heritage on Bonaire
International cooperation may sound grand, but in practice it often starts small: with a question, a conversation, and a willingness to learn from each other. For Monumentenbezit, this cooperation took shape about three years ago on Bonaire, together with the Cocari II Foundation. It has since grown into an equal partnership focused on knowledge sharing, trust, and working together. Project leader Robin Koot moved to Bonaire with his family to supervise the projects this year.
Robin Koot | Project Manager
From introduction to in-depth collaboration
The initial contact between Monumentenbezit and Stichting Cocari II was established through the FIM, which brought the two organizations together. In the years that followed, several working visits to Bonaire took place, during which colleagues from Monumentenbezit visited projects together with local partners and explored the details in depth.
“During those visits, we didn't just discuss architectural solutions,” Robin explains. “We also talked about heritage management, organization, education, and how to keep monuments accessible and meaningful. This broadened the scope of our collaboration beyond just technology.”
From advising to implementing together
Whereas the collaboration has long consisted mainly of contributing ideas and advice, a new phase is now beginning. Various projects are entering the implementation phase and require more intensive supervision. Robin has therefore been seconded from Monumentenbezit to Stichting Cocari II to supervise these activities as project leader.
The added value of collaboration
According to Robin, Monumentenbezit's strength lies not only in its professional expertise, but above all in its approach: flexible, integrated, and with an eye for ethics, sustainability, and financing. "In a different cultural and climatic context, you have to keep thinking, adapting, and sometimes reinventing yourself," he says. "You are really forced to go back to basics: what is essential for the proper preservation of a monument? I will be taking those lessons back with me to the Netherlands."
Sustainability as a common thread
An important theme in the coming period is sustainability. For example, work is underway on Sentro Cocari in Rincon, a complex of former school buildings and a nursing home that is now used for housing and day care for the elderly. "Among other things, we are looking at more sustainable air conditioning systems, better insulation, solar panels, and a sustainable way of treating wastewater," says Robin. "Always with respect for the existing building and its use." In addition, the restoration and sustainability of the San Bernardo complex in Kralendijk and the repurposing of a country house are also planned, subject to formal approval.
Building future-proof heritage together
According to Robin, what makes this collaboration special is the joint learning process. "It's not about 'we'll help out there for a bit,' but about working together. By listening, sharing knowledge, and looking for solutions that suit the place and the community."
International cooperation is therefore not only valuable for the projects on Bonaire, but also for the development of Monumentenbezit itself. In this way, we are working together to build future-proof heritage, both on Bonaire and beyond.