As climate-related disasters become more frequent, effective recovery planning is becoming increasingly important, especially for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
This study examined recovery needs and actions after Hurricanes Irma and Maria in Sint Maarten (2017), using a SIDS recovery framework to assess whether key sectors and recovery priorities were adequately addressed.
Recovery is not only about rebuilding after a disaster, but also about addressing the vulnerabilities that caused severe impacts in the first place. For Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which face unique risks due to their small size, geographic isolation, and economic dependence on a few sectors, building back better is essential for long-term resilience.
However, there is still limited knowledge on how recovery frameworks can be applied effectively in SIDS contexts. By examining recovery lessons and gaps in Sint Maarten, this study helps identify opportunities to strengthen future recovery planning and resilience-building efforts in other SIDS countries.
Identifying lessons and gaps
This research used a desk-based approach, reviewed post-disaster assessments, recovery reports, and institutional documents related to Sint Maarten after Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. The findings were benchmarked against a SIDS recovery framework to compare expected recovery needs with actual recovery actions across sectors.
Expert Taiwo Ogunwumi explains: “The study drew on information from governments, international organizations, NGOs, and recovery agencies. A key challenge was the fragmented nature of recovery information and the difficulty of linking plans to implementation outcomes. The novelty of the research lies in how we have applied a recovery framework to systematically assess recovery actions/projects, identify lessons and gaps, and develop an approach that can be replicated and extended to other Small Island Developing States”.
Expert Jim Lilly: "Studies like this help identify practical lessons that can support governments, donors, and communities in delivering recovery that not only restores services but also reduces vulnerability and strengthens resilience"
The study shows that post-disaster recovery in Sint Maarten was uneven across sectors. Vital services such as ports and utilities recovered relatively quickly, while key sectors like housing and the airport faced major delays. These delays were mainly caused by funding bottlenecks and complex administrative processes, even though financial support had been committed early.
Focus on long-term resilience
Taiwo: “A key conclusion is that disaster recovery should not only focus on rebuilding damaged infrastructure. It should also reduce future vulnerability and strengthen long-term resilience. However, in practice, recovery often focused on returning things to how they were before the disaster, rather than improving systems or building stronger preparedness”.
The main beneficiaries of these findings include policymakers, disaster recovery agencies, local governments, international donors, development organisations, and SIDS countries. Their work can improve because the study highlights where delays happen, which sectors are most affected, and how recovery systems can be made more efficient and resilient in future disasters.
Taiwo emphasises: “As disasters continue to increase due to climate change, recovery planning and preparedness become more important. Future recovery should not only close gaps in vulnerability but also strengthen systems to reduce risk.”
Follow-up study
A follow-up study is already underway. The research focuses on the digitalisation of Post-Disaster Needs Assessments (PDNAs), a critical foundation for effective recovery planning. We are examining how digital tools can improve the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of the PDNA process, using Sint Maarten as a case study where these tools have been applied in practice.
We hope the findings will provide valuable insights for other Small Island Developing States (SIDS), demonstrating how digital solutions can strengthen disaster response, support evidence-based decision-making, and enhance recovery planning. Ultimately, the goal is to help countries leverage technology to deliver faster and more effective recovery outcomes following disasters.