Exploring the Small Island Developing States

SIDS are a unique collection of developing countries that are confronted with specific social, economic, and environmental challenges due to their unique characteristics.

• As of now, 52 countries and territories are identified as SIDS by the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS).
• The unique challenges faced by SIDS were acknowledged for the first time at the Rio Summit 1992 (United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED)).
• SIDS are scattered across three geographical regions - the Caribbean, Pacific, and Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean and South China Sea (AIMS).
• Due to their unique geographical positions and close proximity to the sea, these countries face specific environmental and economic challenges.
• They typically have a small resource base, are heavily dependent on imports, grapple with high energy costs, experience infrastructure and transportation challenges, possess fragile natural environments, and have limited resilience to natural disasters, among other issues.
• Their disadvantaged position in developmental matters necessitates multifaceted support from the international community.

List of Small Island Developing States

Out of the 52 countries classified as SIDS, 38 are United Nations members while 14 are non-UN members or Associate Members of the Regional Commissions. Here's a list of SIDS as of 2020.

Challenges Encountered by SIDS

This section will discuss some of the unique issues faced by the nations classified as SIDS.

1. Climate change and rising sea levels
   1. The majority of the SIDS countries' populations reside along the coast. The concentration of infrastructure and agricultural land development along these areas exacerbates the threats posed by rising sea levels.
   2. Rising sea levels pose a threat to the very existence of these islands.
   3. Despite their minimal contribution to global climate change, these nations face larger risks due to their fragile environments and proximity to the sea.
   4. Climate change can harm the coral reefs, marine life, and ecosystems of these regions, endangering both subsistence and commercial fisheries as well as food crops.
   5. The increased frequency and intensity of storm events due to climate change will also have profound effects on both the economies and environments of SIDS.

Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)

AOSIS is an intergovernmental organization of low-lying and coastal small island states. Established in 1990, the main goal of AOSIS is to amplify the voices of SIDS in response to the global threat of climate change. The group emphasizes the disproportionate impact of climate change on these nations, which have contributed less than 1% of greenhouse gas emissions. AOSIS focuses on issues related to climate change, sustainable development, and ocean conservation.

AOSIS, which has its headquarters in New York, currently has 39 members.

UN Programmes of Action in Support of SIDS

The unique challenges faced by SIDS and their limited capacity to address them necessitate substantial support from the international community. The United Nations has taken several proactive steps in this regard, including the Barbados Programme of Action (1994), Mauritius Strategy (2005), SAMOA Pathway (2014), and the establishment of the UN-OHRLLS in 2001.

Related Links

• UPSC Mains Exam
• Government Exams
• Environment Conventions & Protocols
• Sustainable Development Goals
• Indian Ocean Commission (IOC)
• International Relations Questions in UPSC Mains GS 2