Here's a brief overview of the research I'm currently into with Gabriela Boscio (from Puerto Rico) and Natalie Mebane (from Trinidad & Tobago) - doing something cool while getting a Master's degree in the bag is indeed quite pleasant!
Why are we researching this? We were curious as to how our islands are responding to the threats we are all facing globally (sad but true); the food crisis, economic crisis, environmental crisis, climate change and sea level rise to name only a few... Also, SIDS share similar physical and structural challenges to their development (UNDESA 2009a), including:
A good question we had to answer in our thesis proposal was: WHY SHOULD ANYONE CARE??
As developing states, many SIDS do have high levels of poverty and a certain level of development is needed to enable people to at least live in dignity.
Their role in the Oceans!: Though remote and hindered in their development by the challenges described, SIDS still possess resources of key importance not only to their own populations, but to the world. Significant portions of the world’s oceans and seas fall within SIDS territories and the islands themselves contain a myriad of crucial ecosystems that serve as ecological corridors—linking other major ecosystems worldwide (United Nations Division for Sustainable Development 1994). An example of a marine ecosystem of vital importance closely tied to SIDS is coral reefs. Reefs are some of the most productive ecosystems in the world and support an incredibly high level of biodiversity-- including close to one third of all fish species-- while providing many other services to human populations, such as coastal protection and recreation (Moberg and Folke 1999). For this reason, coral reefs present an invaluable resource for SIDS and global economies and fisheries.
Also, because of their large oceanic Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ’s), SIDS have the potential to protect and sustainably manage these and many other essential marine resources within their territories. In doing so they could play a major role in helping to maintain international fish stocks at sustainable levels, promoting marine life re-generation and preserving valuable ecosystems (such as coral reefs) for generations to come. Additionally, this could contribute in a major way to protecting the livelihoods and food sources of millions.
Haha, well the topic can be viewed more seriously.
Each thesis group is expected to use these principles to explore a topic from the perspective of how it may help or hinder society to achieve sustainability. What we aim to do is to evaluate the 'Mauritius Strategy' (MSI) as a tool for sustainable development.
The MSI is the current consensus document of the United Nation which seeks to assist Small Island Developing States (SIDS - sorry you will have to keep up with acronyms here) in doing that.
- small population,
- limited resources,
- remoteness,
- fragile land and marine ecosystems,
- susceptibility to natural disasters,
- vulnerability to external shocks,
- excessive dependence on international trade,
- high transportation and communication costs,
- disproportionately expensive public administration and infrastructure due to their small size,
- and little to no opportunity to create economies of scale (UNDESA 2009a).
As developing states, many SIDS do have high levels of poverty and a certain level of development is needed to enable people to at least live in dignity.
Their role in the Oceans!: Though remote and hindered in their development by the challenges described, SIDS still possess resources of key importance not only to their own populations, but to the world. Significant portions of the world’s oceans and seas fall within SIDS territories and the islands themselves contain a myriad of crucial ecosystems that serve as ecological corridors—linking other major ecosystems worldwide (United Nations Division for Sustainable Development 1994). An example of a marine ecosystem of vital importance closely tied to SIDS is coral reefs. Reefs are some of the most productive ecosystems in the world and support an incredibly high level of biodiversity-- including close to one third of all fish species-- while providing many other services to human populations, such as coastal protection and recreation (Moberg and Folke 1999). For this reason, coral reefs present an invaluable resource for SIDS and global economies and fisheries.
(Image: Our changing planet 2009)
Also, because of their large oceanic Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ’s), SIDS have the potential to protect and sustainably manage these and many other essential marine resources within their territories. In doing so they could play a major role in helping to maintain international fish stocks at sustainable levels, promoting marine life re-generation and preserving valuable ecosystems (such as coral reefs) for generations to come. Additionally, this could contribute in a major way to protecting the livelihoods and food sources of millions.
(Image - NOAA)
Of course, we care about the cultural diversity that they 'house'; Pacific Ocean, Caribbean, Indian Ocean... I don't even know where to start... Just go there, you'll get your dose of sun, flavours, eco and ethno tourism - just don't step on the coral !!!!
(Image: Beachcomber)
Islands must imperatively address their challenges in order to preserve their amazing treasures and play their role in the international community.
SIDS joined forces since 1991, but "on the whole, implementation of what was agreed and promised at Barbados (1994 - the Barbados Programme of Action) remains disappointing at best" says Kofi Annan in Mauritius in 2005. Hence, this is what we want to find out:
Main Research Question:
In what way can the Mauritius Strategy (MSI) help a Small Island Developing State to move strategically towards sustainability, as defined by the four Principles of Sustainability?
Secondary Research Questions:
- What are the strengths of the MSI, i.e., what does it do to help SIDS achieve full sustainability?
- What aspects of full sustainability does the MSI leave out?
- What would a Small Island Developing State need to do in order to most effectively use the MSI to move the country towards sustainability as defined by the four Principles of Sustainability?
So far we spoke to SIDS specialists from the UN, University professors in Jamaica and Mauritius, Government and NGO officials in Trinidad & Tobago, and are in contact with a few more!!
Keep you posted!
PS. Passages on corals and fisheries taken from our thesis draft intro, thanks Nat & Gabi !!
The full thesis, along with many more which may interest you, can be found here. We're in the 2011 lot. Hasta luego!
The full thesis, along with many more which may interest you, can be found here. We're in the 2011 lot. Hasta luego!
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