Small Island Developing States Research Articles

Analyzing the impact of an MDG-Fund program on childhood malnutrition in Timor-Leste

BackgroundTimor-Leste’s food insecurity, propelled by political conflicts, a fragile economy and biophysical limitations that characterize mountainous Small Island Developing States (SIDS), is expressed in a high incidence (50%) of stunted children. Hence, the Millennium Development Goals Achievement Fund’s Joint Program’s (MDG-F JP) in 2009 was a timely intervention to reduce prevalence of underweight among under-fives. Since the impact of the program remains largely unclear, the current study investigates the contributions of the MDG-F JP on improving children’s nutritional status in Timor-Leste, in order to inform policymakers on how to make future programs more effective.MethodsUsing bivariate analyses and multiple linear regression models we analyzed Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from under-fives in 2009–2010 and 2016, combined with spatially explicit data from geographic information systems (GIS). The analyses generated trends and factors associated with undernutrition, which were used in a quasi-experimental setting to compare districts that received the MDG-F JP with similar districts that did not receive MDG-F JP interventions.ResultsA comprehensive set of factors dependent on seasons, locations, and individuals determine undernutrition in Timor-Leste. A positive impact of the MDG-F JP was found for the average severity of wasting, but not for stunting and underweight.ConclusionsThe findings reinforce the pressing need for integrated and cross-sectoral programs, aimed especially at agricultural workers, mothers, and children. The agricultural challenge is to sustainably select, produce and conserve higher-yield and nutrient-rich crops, and educational enhancement should be aligned with local practices and research.

Coastal Restoration Challenges and Strategies for Small Island Developing States in the Face of Sea Level Rise and Climate Change

The climate crisis poses a grave threat to numerous small island developing states (SIDS), intensifying risks from extreme weather events and sea level rise (SLR). This vulnerability heightens the dangers of coastal erosion, chronic water quality degradation, and dwindling coastal resources, demanding global attention. The resultant loss of ecological persistence, functional services, and ecosystem resilience jeopardizes protection against wave action and SLR, endangering coastal habitats’ economic value, food security, infrastructure, and livelihoods. Implementing integrated strategies is imperative. A thorough discussion of available strategies and best management practices for coastal ecosystem restoration is presented in the context of SIDS needs, threats, and major constraints. Solutions must encompass enhanced green infrastructure restoration (coral reefs, seagrass meadows, mangroves/wetlands, urban shorelines), sustainable development practices, circular economy principles, and the adoption of ecological restoration policies. This requires securing creative and sustainable funding, promoting green job creation, and fostering local stakeholder engagement. Tailored to each island’s reality, solutions must overcome numerous socio-economic, logistical, and political obstacles. Despite challenges, timely opportunities exist for coastal habitat restoration and climate change adaptation policies. Integrated strategies spanning disciplines and stakeholders necessitate significant political will.

Multi-country case study on school health policy and its implementation in relation to COVID-19 control in Micronesia Small Islands Developing States

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic caused school closures and rises in mental illness and non-communicable disease among school children worldwide. The Pacific Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) were also affected, but school health activities, which can effectively reduce negative effects of COVID-19, were not widely implemented compared to other Asia-Pacific countries. This study examined current school health implementation and related policies at national, local, and school levels in the Micronesia SIDS according to phases of COVID-19 control.MethodsMulti-country case study targeted the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and Republic of Palau (ROP). These studies focused on school health implementation periods according to the PPR (Prevention, Preparedness, and Response) concept: Phase #1: prevention/preparedness, #2: early phase response, and #3: chronic phase response/recovery phase. Data were collected through policy document reviews that identified school health policies related to COVID-19 controls in the three phases and key informant interviews (KIIs) with 44 key informants (FSM, n = 14; RMI, n = 18; ROP, n = 12) whose work related to school health. The collected data were analyzed using content analysis methods according to the conceptual framework in this study.ResultsThis study identified three factors of school health implementation related to COVID-19 controls: promotion of decentralized education (FSM), implementation of COVID-19 controls in the school community (RMI), and disaster management for the protection of students including response to infectious disease (ROP). In Phase #1, no country had established a school health policy. In Phase #2, three enablers were identified in FSM and ROP, as reflected in COVID-19 controls by the education and health sectors. In Phase #3, RMI implemented COVID-19 controls in the school community. Documents on youth policy and disaster management in ROP were updated to reflect the chronic phase response and response to future public health crises.ConclusionsA decentralized education was instrumental in immediately implementing COVID-19 control measures in schools at national and local levels for coordination between education and health sectors. Despite each county’s multi-sectoral approach to engage COVID-19 controls in schools, local government organization requires strengthening and implementation of the formulated school health policy. In preparation for the next public health crisis, school health should be promoted that is integrated into both infection control and disaster management.

Unpacking Fragile Access to Justice in a Small Island State Amidst Global Pandemic: Narratives from Experiences of Niue, the Rock of Polynesia

Abstract This study considers the challenges and features of law and development faced by small island developing states (SIDS) during the COVID-19 global pandemic. This research analyzes the pre- and post-pandemic situation of access to justice in SIDS to clarify the transformation of society and the critical impact of the pandemic and to consider potential negative effects and revealed features of fragile justice in small island states. In this context, this research focuses on the case study of Niue, which is a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand since 1974 and is recognized as a small island developing state by the United Nations. Niue, known as “the Rock of Polynesia,” is home to approximately 1900 people and consists of a single isolated island of only 261 square kilometers. The principal research question to be addressed is as follows: What did the COVID-19 pandemic reveal in Niue as a challenge in the context of law and development? By exploring the current situation of access to justice among people in Niue and based on interview responses with local people, government officers, and legal practitioners, this research aims to provide policy suggestions for initiatives and assistance to guarantee the right of access to justice in Niue.

Community-Based Strategies for Disaster Preparedness in Mauritius

Mauritius is Small Island Developing State (SIDS) of volcanic origin which lies in the South-West Indian Ocean Basin and is vulnerable to the consequences of global environmental challenges. The fourth priority action of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 is to consolidate disaster preparedness for an effective response and to have a Build Back Better agenda that will improve recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. This research aimed at examining the disaster management system in Mauritius through community-based approaches. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre’s (NDRRMC) involvement with the community living in high-risk zones was investigated. This study used quantitative data gathered from secondary sources and included the number of field training simulation exercises, training of volunteers under the Community Disaster Response Programme (CDRP), awareness campaigns and formulation of contingency plans based on documentation across Mauritius. The NDRRMC identified 109 high-risk zones across Mauritius out of which 13.7 per cent benefitted from all four forms of mitigation activities. Results indicated that contingency plans in Mauritius were evidence-based and had been developed after identification of disaster risk in selected regions, and therefore, they were limited to some types of disasters only. Findings also revealed that flooding was the most common type of simulated disaster exercise undertaken. The greatest number of field simulation exercises was carried out in Poste de Flacq. Results also demonstrated that only 38.5% of the community were exposed to disaster-related awareness campaigns, making it the least common form of disaster risk reduction (DRR) activity in Mauritius.

From concept to practice: Financing sustainable blue economy in lessons learnt from the Seychelles experience

Despite an international enthusiasm for private capital to meet the financing gap in sustainable development, private sector finance for sustainable development and blue economy is still a very small percentage of global investment. Repurposed bonds and debt for nature swaps have gaining support with policy makers, international organizations, and investors keen to align their investment with global goals and borrowing countries with large ocean domains seeking new sources of finance.The paper explores how those trends have generated new financing opportunities for Small Islands Developing States, a group internationally recognized vulnerable countries, using Seychelles experience in blue economy development and financing through a blue bond and a debt swap. Based on interviews of local and international actors selected for their engagement in Seychelles blue economy finance, the research showed both global and local drivers and challenges to successfully attracting and delivering on private finance.A favorable global policy and financing climate, international partners with technical expertise and ability to di-risk private investment, political will and stability, clarity of national priorities, accountable institutions and sound financial management were key factors in Seychelles’ success in securing private finance. However, implementation challenges were identified, from improved access to affordable finance to the strengthening the local enabling environment and private sector capabilities.High level of indebtedness and structural vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) combined with the inequality of the global financing architecture, which favors creditors over borrowers’ needs, remain key challenges to address the financing gap identified by the global community. Stronger SIDS voices in financing fora are needed to ensure the fair and equitable financing of sustainable blue economy.

Guam and the Circular Economy: Is the Island Ready? A look at the Phase I (Discovery Phase) Results of an Organization Development Action Research Study

This study presents the preliminary findings of a Phase I, qualitative investigation into the feasibility of implementing a circular economy model in Guam, a Small Island Developing State (SIDS). The purpose of this organization development (OD) research project is to discern the level of interest and receptivity towards the concept of a circular economy in Guam's unique island setting. With 44 participants (n=44) from the local business community and the general population, this study employed interviews and focus groups as part of a qualitative research approach. The research design aimed to gather insights and perspectives on the interest in a circular economy in Guam. The findings indicate a significant level of enthusiasm and interest in the circular economy among both the local business community and the general population in Guam. Stakeholders recognize the potential economic, environmental, and social benefits associated with transitioning to a circular economy framework, as revealed through the interviews and focus groups conducted. This discovery research represents a vital first step in understanding the readiness of Guam to embark on a circular economy journey. The positive response from the participants underscores the importance of further OD research and initiatives in this direction. The study highlights the need for policymakers, businesses, and communities to collaborate and explore the implementation of circular economy principles to maximize the sustainability and resilience of Guam's economy. It also emphasizes the significance of promoting sustainable economic development in Guam and other SIDS facing similar challenges.

“I think they should give primary health care a little more priority”. The primary health care in Caribbean SIDS: what can be said about adaptation to the changing climate? The case of Dominica— a qualitative study

BackgroundAdaptation to climate change (CC) is a priority for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean, as these countries and territories are particularly vulnerable to climate-related events. Primary health care (PHC) is an important contributor to CC adaptation. However, knowledge on how PHC is prepared for CC in Caribbean SIDS is very limited. The aim of this paper is to discuss health system adaptation to climate change, with a focus on PHC.MethodsWe explored the perspectives of PHC professionals in Dominica on PHC adaptation to climate change. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted in each of the seven health districts in Dominica, a Caribbean SIDS, between November 2021 and January 2022. The semi-structured interview guide was based on the Essential Public Health Functions: assessment, access to health care services, policy development and resource allocation. Data coding was organized accordingly.ResultsFindings suggest that health care providers perceive climate change as contributing to an increase in NCDs and mental health problems. Climate-related events create barriers to care and exacerbate the chronic deficiencies within the health system, especially in the absence of high-level policy support. Healthcare providers need to take a holistic view of health and act accordingly in terms of disease prevention and health promotion, epidemiological surveillance, and ensuring the widest possible access to healthcare, with a particular focus on the environmental and social determinants of vulnerability.ConclusionThe primary health care system is a key stakeholder in the design and operationalization of adaptation and transformative resilience. The Essential Public Health Functions should integrate social and climate and other environmental determinants of health to guide primary care activities to protect the health of communities. This study highlights the need for improved research on the linkages between climate events and health outcomes, surveillance, and development of plans informed by contextual knowledge in the SIDS.

Cape Verde: Islands of Vulnerability or Resilience? A Transition from a MIRAB Model into a TOURAB One?

Small island developing states (SIDSs) traditionally face a set of challenges like the weak and highly fragile economic configuration, environmental issues, and a traditional dependence on a few economic activities forcing them to open the economy to the exterior. Therefore, their development model, like in Cape Verde, depends on migration, remittances, dependence on aid, tourism, and state employment. The current research offers an insight into the nature of Cape Verde’s economy as a SIDS economy and the degree to which the country has been relying on tourism receipts, external remittances from migrations, aid programs, and government services. Understanding Cape Verde’s development model is important to clarify the challenges the country faces and its development needs to gather a long-term resilience and to understand if it is changing from a MIRAB (Migrations, Remittances, Aid, and Bureaucracy) model into another one.

Water resource sustainability: Challenges, opportunities and research gaps in the English-speaking Caribbean Small Island Developing States

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face multiple developmental challenges including the adverse impacts of climate change. Among these complex challenges is the critical issue of devising strategies and plans to achieve water resource sustainability. The combined effects of hydro-climatic hazards such as droughts, rising sea levels, floods and increasing socio-economic pressures have already begun to adversely impact on SIDS water resources. This review article examined studies on ten English-speaking Caribbean SIDS to explore challenges and opportunities for enhancing water resource sustainability in the Caribbean and to identify emerging research gaps. A desk review and synthesis of existing data and available literature including reports, policy documents, peer-reviewed journal articles and books published over the last ten years were conducted to highlight research gaps in water resource sustainability. The conclusion presents a way forward for SIDS to cope with the consequences of climate change on their vital water resources. The findings from this paper can inform regional polices, strategies and plan and direct research to critical areas where information is needed to support evidenced-based decision making. The review is useful for academics, policymakers and practitioners.

Climate Change, Community Action, and Health in the Anglophone Caribbean: A Scoping Review.

Objective: This scoping review investigates the status of research focusing on the nexus of community action, climate change, and health and wellbeing in anglophone Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Methods: This review was guided by Arksey and O'Malley framework and utilized the PRISMA-ScR checklist. We searched Medline/OVID, PsychInfo, VHL, Sociological Abstracts, Google Scholar, and Scopus to capture interdisciplinary studies published from 1946 to 2021. Results: The search yielded 3,828 records of which fourteen studies met the eligibility criteria. The analysis assessed study aim, geographic focus, community stakeholders, community action, climate perspective, health impact, as well as dimensions including resources/assets, education/information, organization and governance, innovation and flexibility, and efficacy and agency. Nearly all studies were case studies using mixed method approaches involving qualitative and quantitative data. Community groups organized around focal areas related to fishing, farming, food security, conservation, and the environment. Conclusion: Despite the bearing these areas have on public health, few studies explicitly examine direct links between health and climate change. Research dedicated to the nexus of community action, climate change, and health in the anglophone Caribbean warrants further study.

Shining a light on disparities to access. Specialist teachers’ perceptions on the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on learning for students with blindness and low vision in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific

ABSTRACT COVID-19 restrictions have had significant impacts on teaching and learning globally. A growing body of literature has been published on the experiences of students and teachers as they negotiated school closures and social restrictions. Much less has been published about the experiences of students with disability, and very little about students with blindness and low vision (BLV). The impact of BLV on learning is significant due to the visual nature of the curriculum. To address the dearth of research on how COVID-19 restrictions impacted educational access and participation for students with BLV, the authors, supported by a research grant through the South Pacific Educators of Vision Impairment (SPEVI), surveyed and interviewed Specialist Teachers of students with BLV in Australia, New Zealand, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Pacific region, that is, the region that encompasses SPEVI’s work. The results bring teachers’ voices into the collation of strategies to inform future educational responses. These are presented as a series of six key catalysts or drivers for change over four stages of action; moving through times of crisis that necessitate remote teaching and learning or other fundamental shifts in practice due to crisis-driven changes.

The Ocean Economy in SIDS – Environmental Taxation

Over the years, with the increase in consumerism and accelerated globalisation, there has been a growing trend in the use of water resources, including oceans. This results in, among other things, pollution. In order to assess the existing state of the oceans and the instrument that can mainly contribute to the protection of water resources, environmental taxes are used. The objective of this study was to evaluate the significance of environmental taxes in SIDS (Small Island Developing States) with particular emphasis on ocean-related taxes. The article describes the current threats to the ocean economy, in particular pollution and loss of biodiversity. Based on the analysis of the literature and quantitative data, it can be concluded that the number of taxes related to the oceans in SIDS is marginal. Tax revenues from environmental taxes in SIDS are relatively small compared to other countries. The research methods used in the paper are literature analysis, analysis of existing data and the inference method.

The challenge of formulating tourism policy in small island developing states (SIDS): evidence from Seychelles

The challenge of formulating tourism policy in small island developing states (SIDS): evidence from Seychelles

Technology and maritime security in Africa: Opportunities and challenges in Gulf of Guinea

Maritime security threats undermine safety and security at sea and, in turn, coastal states’ efforts to harness the resources in their maritime domain. This assertion is true for coastal states and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) on the African continent, where limited maritime enforcement capabilities have increased security threats at sea, such as illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, piracy and armed robbery at sea, toxic waste dumping and other illicit activities. African navies and their foreign partners are taking advantage of the opportunities that technology provides to improve safety and security. Technology has led to the identification of criminals at sea, their capture and prosecution, making it crucial in enhancing maritime security. As such, the merits of its use for maritime security are undeniable. However, using technology comes with challenges that need to be considered. With this in mind, our research makes an original contribution by exploring the opportunities for using technology to advance maritime safety and security in Africa, successes and challenges with an emphasis on the Gulf of Guinea region. Drawing from questionnaire data from maritime law enforcement personnel, agencies supporting the implementation of the Yaoundé Code of Conduct (2013), and a review of relevant literature and policy documents, we contend that technology has significantly improved maritime domain awareness and the effective implementation of maritime safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea. However, addressing existing limitations and enhancing human capacity is imperative to sustain this progress.

Understanding the relationship between built environment features and physical activity in the Caribbean: A scoping review.

Transforming the urban infrastructure to become safe, inclusive and sustainable remains a challenge in most developing settings. The Caribbean has high burdens of physical inactivity and non-communicable diseases. Therefore, understanding the role of the built environment (BE) in modifying individual activity is important for informing the design of community interventions to improve levels of physical activity (PA). Anecdotally, there is limited evidence on the BE in the Caribbean, however evidence from other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and from Latin America (LA) may offer useful information given their similar urbanization profiles and shared geo-collaborative histories. Our review identifies and characterizes individual features of the BE and examines their relationships with PA outcomes. We systematically searched a range of multi-discipline research databases, including studies from SIDS and LA that objectively measured BE features as an exposure and PA as an outcome between 2010 and 2021. Grey literature was not considered for this review. We characterized BE measures into 9 neighbourhood design domains using the Walkability for Health framework, and mapped gaps in the published evidence. We performed a narrative summary of BE-PA relationships, focusing on association strength and direction of effect. Fifty-one studies from published scientific literature in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Chile, and Singapore were included that described 306 BE-PA relationships. The BE was mostly characterized by number of and proximity to spaces for social interaction, green spaces, increasing housing density or street connectivity, and mixed residential and commercial land use. BE-PA relationships, although inconsistent, largely promoted PA. Although the review is suggestive of the benefits of the benefits of BE interventions for promoting active commuting and leisurely PA, translational research is needed to understand whether results can be successfully adapted for SIDS, which often have an urban structure defined by a single urban centre with connections to outlying communities.

Integrating wastewater reuse into water management schemes of Caribbean SIDS: A Trinidad and Tobago case study

Abstract Integrating Wastewater Reuse (WWRU) into national Water Management Schemes (WMS) is crucial as Small Island Developing States (SIDS) attempt to cope with water resource constraints in a changing climate. In 2022, the Global Environment Facility Caribbean Regional Fund (GEF CReW+) on Wastewater Management, the Ministry of Public Utilities (MPU), Trinidad and Tobago and the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) spearheaded the development of a national voluntary standard for treated wastewater reuse focused on agricultural and landscaping uses. During the process, the MPU conducted a Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) and Willingness to Pay (WTP) assessment to inform the standard and subsequent implementation. Results indicated `good' knowledge on wastewater and WWRU (59.3%), however attitudes and practices were considered `poor'. Inferential Statistics performed on numerically coded survey response data revealed no statistically significant relation with the demographic factors assessed; 84.1% of respondents were willing to use treated wastewater with health concerns identified as the main barrier; 27.3% of respondents were willing to pay the same price as conventional water, while 31.2% were willing to pay 25 -50% less. This assessment can inform the implementation and pricing process and provide valuable insights to increase the uptake of WWRU in the region.

Social Acceptance and Social, Economic, and Environmental Impact of Renewable Energy - A Case Study from Hanimaadhoo Island, Maldives

Social acceptance particularly public opposition on renewable energy have been key obstacles for renewable energy deployment in many developed nations particularly in Europe. The level of awareness of the situation in the global south, particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), was rather limited. This research utilizes Cultural Theory as a framework, incorporating data obtained from household questionnaire surveys, focus group discussion and individual interviews conducted on Hanimaadhoo island in the Maldives. The objective is to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how individuals’ worldviews influence their opinions and behaviors regarding renewable energy. This study also aims to comprehend the anticipated social, economic, and environmental impacts of renewable energy. The authors highlight key findings from a local perspective that they deem crucial to consider for the future deployment and diffusion of renewable energy in the Maldives

Social Acceptance and Social, Economic, and Environmental Impact of Renewable Energy - A Case Study from Hanimaadhoo Island, Maldives

Social acceptance particularly public opposition on renewable energy have been key obstacles for renewable energy deployment in many developed nations particularly in Europe. The level of awareness of the situation in the global south, particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), was rather limited. This research utilizes Cultural Theory as a framework, incorporating data obtained from household questionnaire surveys, focus group discussion and individual interviews conducted on Hanimaadhoo island in the Maldives. The objective is to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how individuals’ worldviews influence their opinions and behaviors regarding renewable energy. This study also aims to comprehend the anticipated social, economic, and environmental impacts of renewable energy. The authors highlight key findings from a local perspective that they deem crucial to consider for the future deployment and diffusion of renewable energy in the Maldives

Balancing climate resilience and adaptation for Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS): Building institutional capacity.

Although the Caribbean's Small Island Developing States (SIDS) minimally contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions, they face disproportionate climate risks and are particularly susceptible to systemic economic threats posed by climate change and subsequent increases in climate variability. Historically, strategic programs and investments have sought to develop more robust and adaptive engineered systems to absorb climate threats. However, such initiatives are limited and under-resourced in the SIDS' context. This article reviews existing climate strategies in the Caribbean and then critically examines current gaps and barriers relating to climate impact knowledge, needs, and implementation. This examination can assist Caribbean SIDS leadership to identify opportunities to transition from a vulnerability-reducing mindset to one of resilience and transformative adaptation to improve long-term economic outlooks, social welfare, and environmental stewardship despite recurring and escalating climate risks. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;00:1-19. © 2023 SETAC.