8 March 2011: A number of speakers at the second session of the Preparatory Committee (PrepCom II) for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio 2012), which convened from 7-8 March 2011, at UN Headquarters in New York, highlighted issues of concern to small island developing States (SIDS), especially the sustainable management of oceans and fisheries.

In its opening statement at PrepCom II, Fiji, on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), stressed the need for a “blue economy” that prioritizes fisheries and oceans. Nauru, on behalf of the Pacific SIDS, and Palau, on behalf of the Pacific Region, echoed AOSIS’s view that a green economy must be a “blue economy.”

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) International Oceanographic Commission (IOC) said the “blue-green” economy should reaffirm oceans’ ecosystems services and its role in all aspects of the economy. The IOC noted SIDS’ need for assistance in building resilience to natural disasters. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) also stressed that fisheries should be considered part of a green economy.

In its closing statement, Barbados for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) called for support to regional and interregional preparations by SIDS for the UNCSD event in June 2012. Maldives, for AOSIS, said Rio 2012 should meet the needs of SIDS and focus on a blue economy. [IISD RS Coverage of UNCSD PrepCom II]