Small island developing States (SIDS) can serve as models for global sustainable development solutions that promote human development, reduce poverty and build resilience, according to a report by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
‘Island Innovations – UNDP and GEF: Leveraging the Environment for the Sustainable Development of SIDS' highlights "whole island" approaches to sustainable development, incorporating climate change adaptation, conserving land, ocean and water resources, generating economic growth and enhancing local capacity.
2 September 2014: Small island developing States (SIDS) can serve as models for global sustainable development solutions that promote human development, reduce poverty and build resilience, according to a report by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). ‘Island Innovations – UNDP and GEF: Leveraging the Environment for the Sustainable Development of SIDS’ highlights “whole island” approaches to sustainable development, incorporating climate change adaptation, conserving land, ocean and water resources, generating economic growth and enhancing local capacity.
UNDP Administrator Helen Clark and GEF CEO Naoko Ishii launched the publication during a high-level event on ‘Ridge to Reef’ approaches to island ecosystem management and governance, which took place on the sidelines of the Third International Conference on SIDS, in Apia, Samoa. Clark underscored the importance of “actively” pursuing sustainable development, explaining “the longer we wait, the higher the risks and costs” to human development, species survival and the “very existence of some small island states.” Ishii highlighted GEF’s commitment to building lasting partnerships with SIDS through record funding of more than US$250 million over the next four years. There are currently over 240 UNDP-supported, GEF-funded projects being implemented in SIDS.
The report showcases 17 case studies from local, national and regional projects on climate change adaptation, conservation and sustainable use of coastal and marine ecosystems and biodiversity, energy efficiency, gender equality, land degradation, trade and other sectors. Pacific case studies discuss, inter alia: promoting local food in Micronesia; building resilience to cope with climate change in the Cook Islands; addressing climate change impacts in Samoa’s agriculture, forestry and health sectors; land management in Vanuatu; managing oceanic fisheries; and promoting renewable energy technology. Case studies in Africa, Indian Ocean and South China Sea (AIMS) SIDS include: safe disposal and management of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Mauritius; the blue economy in the Seychelles; and an ecosystem approach to marine resources. Caribbean case studies highlight local stewardship of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, community-based adaptation to climate change in Jamaica; and the ridge to reef approach.
Many SIDS projects can be replicated in larger countries, according to the publication, and many small island communities are tackling local issues that have global implications, which underscores the global importance of achieving sustainable development in SIDS. [UNDP Press Release] [GEF Press Release] [Publication: Island Innovations: UNDP and GEF: Leveraging the Environment for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States] [IISD RS Coverage of SIDS Meeting]