This briefing presents issues that decision-makers in island nations need to address to craft national or regional strategies for disaster risk reduction (DRR) and water security planning. DRR policies, and the resulting strategies and action plans are the basis for building long-term partnerships for sustainable development with international funding agencies. SIDS are among the highest-risk locations on the planet. Today some are already experiencing the adverse effects of sea-level rise, vulnerability to water shortages and extreme weather events, and their knock-on effects of desertification, ecosystem degradation, and threats to local food production.