"A Strategic Approach to the Sustainable Development of Small
Island States"
INTRODUCTION
Boasting impeccable beauty, pristine waters and perfect getaway spots, island
countries attract millions of visitors yearly. Many islands suffer from a number
of challenges, which, if left unchecked, could have negative economic and
environmental implications. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) generically,
refers to coastal countries sharing similar challenges for sustainable
development. These range from having small populations with limited expertise
and natural resources, to being ecologically fragile and susceptible to natural
disasters. SIDS provides a link grouping similar countries and thus
strengthening their position in international negotiations. At present, there
are forty-one (41) countries, which are a part of SIDS. April 1994 was an
historic occasion for SIDS countries. A conference was held in Barbados to voice
the concerns for special development needs and to formulate an Action Plan for
Sustainable Development. The result of this session was a 14-point programme
directly targeted to addressing the needs of SIDS countries - The Barbados
Programme of Action (BPoA). Another milestone of this meeting was the formation
of The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). This was viewed as a strategic
move for it would enable SIDS countries to unite as a combined force for their
effective negotiation within the international arena.
AGENDA 21 and BPoA
The Barbados Programme of Action (BPoA) specifically addresses the priority
issues within developing countries. It does this by reaffirming the commitments
and principles embodied in the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development,
(Agenda 21). Agenda 21 or the Earth Summit, is a programme of actions, which
investigates innovative ways of attaining global sustainability within the 21st
Century. It was devised in 1992 because of the tide of rising environmental,
social and economic concerns among world leaders in the 1980's. What is unique
about The Barbados Programme of Action (BPoA) is that it not only reinforces the
principles outlined in Agenda-21 but also, it remodeled them into a programme
for SIDS countries. This was done by classifying the areas of vulnerability in
SIDS countries as either economic or environmental.
BPoA and The BAHAMAS
The Bahamas can reap the benefits of the Barbados Programme of Action because it
is a SIDS member country. Inclusion provides the opportunity to share and
exchange information. It also allows the provision of much needed technical and
financial support. These collectively, will assist in attaining Sustainable
Development. To date, SIDS has funded up to eighty percent (80%) of all the
programmes related to the implementation of Agenda-21.
INTER-REGIONAL MEETING
In April 2002, the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) passed a
resolution, authorizing an international assembly to appraise the implementation
of the Barbados Programme of Action. In accordance with this, during the week of
January 26, 2004, an inter-regional meeting has been scheduled to take place in
Nassau, The Bahamas. This is ten years after the original drafting of the
Barbados Programme of Action therefore, the term coined for the meeting is BPoA
+ 10.
Further Information
Any additional information concerning the Bahamas' hosting of this meeting may
be obtained from the BEST Commission at:
The Bahamas Environment, Science and Technology Commission (BEST)
Commission
P.O. Box CB-10980
Nassau, The Bahamas
Tel:+ 242-322-4546
Fax: +242-326-3509
Email:
bestnbs@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.best.bs
Further information on The Barbados Programme of Action may be
obtained via
the Internet from the following websites: The Small Island Developing States
Network SIDSNet at
http://www.sidsnet.org
Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) at
http://www.sidsnet.org/aosis/
Sustainable Development Communications Network SD Gateway at
http://www.sd.gateway.net/
THE NATIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE COMMITTEE: First National
Communication (see The National Communication link)
http://www.best.bs/climate/index.html
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