On 28–29 October 2026, Caribbean Coast 3 partners, civil protection authorities and international stakeholders gathered at the Bonaire Fire Department for the Main Planning Conference. The two-day meeting focused on refining the exercise scenario, strengthening regional and European response coordination, and advancing operational preparations for the 2027 exercises.
30 October 2026 | Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands
The Caribbean Coast 3 project reached another important milestone with the successful conclusion of its Main Planning Conference, held on 28–29 October 2026 at the Bonaire Fire Department in Kralendijk, Caribbean Netherlands.
The two-day meeting brought together project consortium members, Caribbean civil protection authorities, representatives of the European Commission's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), and other regional and international stakeholders.
The conference focused on advancing preparations for the 2027 Table-Top Exercise (TTX), Command Post Exercise (CPX) and Full-Scale Exercise (FSX), designed to strengthen disaster preparedness, international response coordination and cooperation between Caribbean and European civil protection actors.
Advancing Exercise Design and Operational Planning
During the first day, participants reviewed the current project status, exercise objectives and evolving multi-hazard scenario. Particular attention was given to the structure and organisation of the upcoming exercises, including the main events, participating response teams, Exercise Control (EXCON) arrangements and evaluation methodology.
A dedicated session addressed the role of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) and the EU Civil Protection Team (EUCPT) in international emergency response operations.
Operational logistics and Host Nation Support were also central topics. Participants discussed the practical requirements for deploying international response teams to the Caribbean, including transportation, accommodation, communications, legal arrangements and logistical support.
Strengthening Regional Coordination and International Response
The second day focused on the operational arrangements for international assistance in the Dutch and French Caribbean, including UCPM activation procedures, regional coordination mechanisms and the nomination of EUCPT members and EU Observers.
Participants further developed the Full-Scale Exercise concept, reviewing the exercise locations, main events and operational challenges associated with a complex, multi-island disaster scenario.
Discussions also covered safety and security arrangements, project communication and visibility, media relations, and preparations for the observer and VIP programmes.
The conference concluded with a review of project deliverables, responsibilities and upcoming milestones, providing a common basis for the next phase of exercise preparations.
Looking Ahead to 2027
The next major milestone will be the Table-Top Exercise in March 2027, followed by the Command Post and Full-Scale Exercises in June 2027.
These activities will provide opportunities to test decision-making, coordination procedures, Host Nation Support arrangements and the deployment of international response capacities in realistic disaster scenarios.
Beyond testing operational capabilities, Caribbean Coast 3 aims to strengthen long-term cooperation, interoperability and mutual understanding between Caribbean and European disaster management organisations.
The Main Planning Conference in Bonaire represented an important step towards translating these objectives into practical exercise activities and reinforcing regional preparedness for future emergencies.
Caribbean Coast 3 is funded by the European Union through the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) and implemented by an international consortium of partners working together to strengthen disaster preparedness and response cooperation in the Caribbean.