DEVELOPING HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE FUTURES IN SMALL ISLAND STATES AND TERRITORIES

Abstract

This paper argues that small island states and territories provide a case for the application of health impact assessments. Their characteristic ecological fragility, vulnerability, relatively small size and limited resources give cause for environmental impact concerns. The tendency, therefore, is for decision-makers and developers to focus upon the economic benefits of proposed development projects while mitigating their environmental impacts, paying little attention to health impacts. The paper defines health status and health determinants and provides a toolkit of guidelines for carrying out health impact assessment in small islands. It discusses the approaches and lessons from the UK and Canada by which assessors in small islands can develop health impact assessment processes within their own contexts. The paper identifies the positive and negative health impacts that assessors should consider in assessing the impacts from tourism. The conclusions point to policy implications and the need for decision-makers to incorporate health impact assessment into their respective island's planning and regulatory frameworks.