CNSI has a multifunctional objective. It serves a facilitating role for research and education for a wide spectrum of disciplines addressing issues and questions relevant to the sustainability of tropical small island economies.

CNSI’s mission is to realise a permanent presence in the Caribbean Netherlands with research facilities, outreach facilities and accommodation for visitors, addressed within the scientific, political and socioeconomic context of the greater Caribbean region, based on:

1) mutual responsibility and understanding

2) sustainable development

3) commitment to multidisciplinary knowledge development and human and institutional capacity building