Thank you for this opportunity for SIDS countries to share their experience. In building on the following two points below, I would like to contribute to the forum with a well-documented example of Palau, Micronesia region, Pacific SIDS:
-the national economies of SIDS are mainly service-sector oriented, and more attention is needed to develop opportunties for local livelihoods based on sustainable use of natural resources.
-participatory approaches and initiatives that work at multiple levels and cross-sectorally should be mainstreamed as key levers to building capacity and improving integrated approaches.
Yes, it is important to acknowledge, as well as come to terms with, SIDS economies tend to hop on the bandwagon of service sector investment because of its quick profit turnovers, due to the fact that we have adapted and become reliant in our survival on technological advancements (i.e. high-speed internet connected by fiber optic cables) and modern conveniences ( i.e. public electricity and water). Oftentimes these present-day conveniences that comprise of what defines a 'developed nation', compromise on natural resource recycling functions, i.e. wildlife breeding cycles and carbon sequestration. However, this has not always been the case. The original founders of Palau, for example, embedded into the constitution, conservation and no-take (no harvesting) zones. There is a group of islands called the Seventy Islands that are protected under the constitution as eternal no-take zones, and with a sustainable management plan, the coexistence of tourism and responsible ecosystem management is present in Koror State, Palau. Please read more in detail here: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1386
This is because of the close interlinkage and dialogue between the traditional leaders, legislative bodies, private sector (tour companies) and the transparent information-sharing with the rest of the community. To the people of Palau, the environment (both land and sea) and human society is a single body. Responsible management is engrained in the culture and a systems thinking of a long-term vision for the benefit of the next generation of Palauans remains at the forefront of the island country's economic development agenda.
Jodean Remengesau