Academic literature on the topic 'Small Island Developing States (SIDS)'

In succeeding chapters it will be argued that the characteristics of SIDS results in their security problems being substantially different to those of larger states. Chapter one seeks to provide the background information about international interest in small states in general and deals with the difficult issue of defining 'smallness'. It also reviews the existing theories of security and applies these theories to SIDS. Although no attempt will be made to give an alternative 'definition' of security it nevertheless attempts to outline security in relation to SIDS. Chapter two examines the concept of vulnerability and seeks to identify the different areas where SIDS are vulnerable. It also strives to identify the special attributes of SIDS pertaining to these states that makes their security environment different to small continental states. This is followed by Chapter three in which the threats confronting the SIDS are presented drawing insights from the Caribbean and the Pacific. Using examples from these two regions various types of threats are identified in the following: areas: military, political, economical, societal and environmental. Chapter four is devoted to the security scenario of the Indian Ocean. It analyses how the Indian Ocean geopolitics affect the Indian Ocean SIDS, especially the regional security scenario and in the various sub-systems in which the Indian Ocean SIDS are located. It also attempts to identify the changing security pattern of the Indian Ocean from the Cold War setting to the present day. Chapters five, six and seven are case studies of the Maldives, the Seychelles and Mauritius respectively. They attempt to give an in-depth analysis of the security problems of these states. Each chapter starts with a brief insight into the physical, historical and socio-cultural background of the countries. Next, it analyses the security problems as perceived by the leadership of these countries. It goes on to identify the security capabilities that exist in these countries. Finally, it attempts to identify the current security problems while differentiating security threats into real, potential and latent threats. Chapter eight is divided into two parts. The first part is a comparative analysis of the security problems faced by the three Indian Ocean SIDS. It deals with national, regional and international dimensions of the problems and tries to draw out the similarities and the differences between the three states and why they are so. The second part deals with the responses to the security problems of the SIDS. It identifies existing strategies and responses at various levels: Domestic, Regional and International. It also attempts to identify measures that the SIDS could undertake to enhance their security. Chapter Nine is a brief summary of the findings of this research. With regard to the Indian Ocean SIDS (IOS), the result of the research shows that these SIDS have security problems that are considerably different to those of larger states; and that these problems are attributable to the characteristics arising out of their smallness and their islandness. Furthermore, the research clearly strengthens the view that there is very little that the SIDS can do to enhance their security. While the geo-politics of the Indian Ocean did influence the security problems faced by these SIDS in the past and still does so to a certain extent, the majority of the problems faced by the Indian Ocean SIDS are due to the fact that they are small and island developing states rather than SIDS located in the Indian Ocean. As such there does not seem to be a common Indian Ocean security problem. On the basis of this, there is very little ground for an Indian Ocean response to the security problems faced by these IOS.

Thesis (MDF)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Governments have a pivotal role in meeting the ever-increasing demand for socio-economic services in transport, energy, telecommunications, water, education, health and delivery of other social services. However, the major issue in Mauritius is the lapsus in road infrastructure. The road infrastructure agenda in Mauritius needs to be revisited, as such, maintenance has been insufficient to prevent deterioration and there are some other reasons for the damage. Urgent rehabilitation and reconstruction is required to avoid further damage. Factors such as, deficit of funding, absence of coordination between the public and the private sector, changes in political regimes, lack of transparency in the procurement process and lack of adequate legal framework are factors to which the failure of implementing Public Private Partnership (PPP) in Mauritius can be attributed. However, the implementation of PPP might enhance the nature and efficacy of the way in which public money is spent and encourage resilience and competency of the taxation structure. Governments will therefore be apt to consider strategic partnerships in order to promote state-of-the-art technological advancement and enhance managerial skills and capabilities. Reviews discussed by the Government of Mauritius were taken from annual reports and an in-depth study was carried out. Moreover, as secondary analysis differs from systematic reviews and meta-analyses of qualitative studies, which aim instead to compile and assess the evidence relating to a common concern or area of practice, both secondary analysis and meta-analysis have been used. Therefore, this study comprised of a thorough, narrative discussions of research studies which epitomize attempts to make sense of the rapidly expanding research on PPP in Mauritius. From the narrative discussion, it can be highlighted that, controversy arose over the claims for surplus expenses of Rs 709 million on a preliminary agreement of Rs 2.2 billion. Moreover, due to factors such as massive non-alignment between government and private sector, unclear government goals and duties, multifaceted resolution, sectoral policies not well defined, regulatory challenges and limitations, risk management issues, poor reliability of public policies, insufficient local capital markets, poor mechanisms to attract cheaper long term capital, weak lucidity and absence of a competitive landscape, a delay in the implementation of PPP was encountered. However, an emergence in the number of PPPs has been witnessed in developing countries, not only because of their increasingly being viewed as value-for-money but also for the reasons that follow: enhancing the delivery of public sector services at lower costs, integrating protection of the environment by ensuring fulfilment of green requirements and promoting competition. Reviews and extracts show that Mauritius requires financial support to implement PPP projects. However, the availability of international aid has helped the country to gain faith in the implementation of PPP projects thus, helping the Small Island Developing State of Mauritius to look at the future of its development with confidence.

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of the Caribbean are one of the world’s ‘hottest’ ‘biodiversity hotspots’. However, this biodiversity continues to be threatened by habitat loss, and now, by climate change. The research reported here investigated the potential of species distribution modelling (SDM) as a plant conservation tool within Caribbean SIDS, using Trinidad as a case study. Prior to the application of SDM, ancillary analyses including: (i) quantification and mapping of forest cover change (1969 to 2007) and deforestation rates, and (ii) assessment of the island’s vegetation community distribution and associated drivers were carried out. Community distribution and commercial importance and global/regional rarity were used to generate a list of species for assessing the potential of SDM within Trinidad. Species occurrence data were used to generate species distribution models for present climate conditions within the SDM algorithm, MaxEnt. These results were assessed through expert appraisal and concurrence with results of ecological analyses. These models were used to forecast suitable species climate space forty years into an SRES A2 future. Present and future models were then combined to produce a ‘collective change map’ which showed projected areas of species’ range expansion, contraction or stability for this group of species with respect to Trinidad’s Protected Areas (PAs) network. Despite the models being indicative rather than accurate, it was concluded that species’ climate space is likely to decrease or disappear across Trinidad. Extended beyond Trinidad into the remainder of the Caribbean region, SDM may be a crucial tool in identifying which PAs within the region (and not individual islands) will facilitate future survival of given target species. Consideration of species conservation from a regional, rather than an individual island perspective, is strongly recommended for aiding the Caribbean SIDS to adapt in response to climate change.

Economic growth has continually remained an objective of every nation, particularly for lesser-developed countries such as the Small Island Developing States (SIDS). According to an UNCTAD (2014) report on “Small island developing States: Challenges in transport and trade logistics,” one way of attaining economic growth is by focusing attention on tackling the challenges faced by transport and trade logistics (UNCTAD, 2014). Given the unique characteristics of SIDS nations, notably high import content, insularity, geographic remoteness and small economies, populations and areas, all of these factors emphasize the importance of having “well-functioning, reliable, sustainable and resilient transportation systems, in particularly the maritime sector for SIDS development and international trade survival” (UNCTAD, 2014). Such policies would be consistent with what is generally referred to as ‘supply led' economic development, where improvements in transport related infrastructure result in economic growth (Cowie, 2010). Such an approach assumes there is a latent demand for a country/region's produce, but this is being prevented from being exploited, because of inefficiencies in, or a lack of adequate port infrastructures and human resources. These challenges constitute a key policy concern for the sustainable development of SIDS' ports and become not only a port concern but a national concern, as directing adequate funding to improving port efficiency, has become a top priority (UNCTAD 2014). For instance, according to the United Nations (UN), “benchmarks need to be established to monitor and improve port performance ... ”(UNCTAD, 2014), while SIDS such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) aim to improve their maritime sector, claims that “...enhancing the maritime sector has the potential to fuel CARICOMs trade, increase port productivity and generate significant cost savings...” (CARICOM, 2013). This research aims to measure, analyse and compare port efficiency and productivity over a ten-year period (2001-2011), on 69 seaports, using non- parametric DEA based tests. The primary focus is on the Caribbean SIDS (referred as the Caribbean for abbreviation purposes), benchmarked against top ports. This is investigated from the realm of how port policy and development strategies have affected efficiency and productivity over time. This research attempts to present greater insight into SIDS ports, with reference mainly to the Caribbean, whilst the approach can become a springboard, implemented on other port types and regions of the world. Additionally, its practical contribution may become a better guide for international (UNCTAD), regional (CARICOM) and country level decision makers. Evolutionary technical efficiency and productivity for the Caribbean's Small Island Developing States (SIDS) ports, during the period 2001-2011 are evaluated. Moreover, the region's port development initiatives are assessed over the same period. Top ports received an average efficiency of 72%, outperforming the overall 66% average for Caribbean ports as was expected. Interestingly enough, efficiencies for top ports decreased on average by 0.5% per annum over the decade, whilst increases of up to 0.7% were found for Caribbean ports. Moreover, the region's productivity grew by 3.2%, compared to their larger top counterparts, of up to 2% per annum. This research concludes that trade volumes play an integral part in affecting efficiency and productivity. Additionally, given port development initiatives, the Caribbean's progresses in efficiency/productivity has been mainly the effects of scale and technical progress respectively. Since these ports are usually smaller scale and yield lesser throughput (compared to their larger counterparts), when they begin to grow, the focus is on enlarging their production scales, however, this is at the expense of adjusting internal practises. Compared to TOP ports, increases in productivity is solely the consequence of technical progress. Since these are usually larger scale ports and so likely yield more throughput, will likely be operating at the size of decreasing returns to scale. This suggests, that they are not properly focusing on internal practices and sizing their production scales to accommodate the rise in technical progress. The research findings can potentially influence decisions made by local and regional authorities in the Caribbean, when it comes to port development initiatives, as it provides an overview of efficiency/productivity, but more so that which impedes these progresses.

The purpose of this study is to examine the progression of Multicultural to Intercultural Education in the prospect of sustaining social cohesion. Multicultural and Intercultural Education are two major educational pedagogies that came into existence in multicultural societies. The purpose of the case study is to explore the implementation of the practices of Multicultural and Intercultural education as part of fostering the social cohesion in Mauritius. Qualitative data was collected through interviews and a survey which has been conducted to 300 trainees at the Mauritius Institute of Education to examine and analyze their perceptions of Multicultural and Intercultural Education.<br>博士(グローバル社会研究)<br>Doctor of Philosophy in Global Society Studies<br>同志社大学<br>Doshisha University

Mestrado em Desenvolvimento e Cooperação Internacional<br>This dissertation attempts to review the critical theoretical issues concerning Small States and Small Insular Developing States, while aiming to answer some crucial related questions and to distinguish between these two notions. Additionally we attempt to spotlight some issues related to the development of Cape Verde having in consideration a possible comparison with two of the most successful African SIDS, namely Mauritius and Seychelles. A brief analysis of the social and economical situation of the three countries is made, seeking to underline their key development elements and assessing their economical and social structure. This dissertation mainly aims at assessing what Cape Verde can apprehend from the Mauritian and Seychellois experience, in an attempt to draw some useful conclusions to its development.<br>Esta dissertação procura rever as questões teóricas essenciais que dizem respeito aos Pequenos Estados e aos Pequenos Estados Insulares em Desenvolvimento e, simultaneamente, responder a algumas questões relacionadas com este âmbito. Adicionalmente, pretendem-se destacar algumas questões relacionadas com o desenvolvimento de Cabo Verde, tendo em consideração uma possível comparação com dois dos SIDS Africanos mais bem sucedidos, nomeadamente as Maurícias e as Seicheles. Com este intuito, é efectuada uma breve apreciação da situação económica e social destes países, numa tentativa de sublinhar os seus elementos fundamentais e de analisar a sua estrutura económica e social. Esta dissertação tem como seu objectivo fundamental a apreciação do que Cabo Verde poderá apreender da experiência de desenvolvimento das Maurícias e das Seicheles, numa tentativa de elaborar conclusões frutuosas para Cabo Verde.

Disasters and climate change threaten the very existence of a special group of developing states- Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This research tackles the problem of limited uptake of integrated approaches to address risk in practice- in particular through disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA). The benefits of these approaches are so significant that they can be considered to be investments in development. Focusing on Barbados, a SIDS, this research therefore seeks to identify the prospects for establishing an integrated disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (DRR-CCA) development decision-making framework. It also seeks to understand the policy implications for other SIDS. In addressing the research problem, a risk governance framework and mixed methods approach is proposed for identifying the prospects for DRR-CCA. This allows for the challenges and the potential in actor networks, institutions, and the various dimensions of risk decision-making to be identified. The specific SIDS DRR-CCA risk governance framework utilised to generate the prospects is identified from literature. Data from documents, surveys and in-depth semi-structured interviews with 30 representatives from 20 organisations operating at different levels were gathered on DRR and CCA risk governance in Barbados from November, 2014 to May 2015. Analysis was carried out using document analysis, thematic analysis; social network analysis, and descriptive statistics. The research identifies that SIDS require an enhanced risk governance framework for DRR-CCA. This framework has a systemic approach at the core, as well as an explicit development approach supported by a joined-up governance approach. Furthermore, risk assessments should include assessments of adaptive capacity. Existing potential for DRR-CCA risk governance was identified in highly dense networks, established disaster management networks, and a unique polycentric network that engages intraregional partners in national governance. Notwithstanding, challenges related to cohesion within and across institutions and sectors; missing community and socio-economic participation; as well as issues connected to unadjusted mind-sets to address the DRR paradigm shift in practice, and limited development-socio-ecological systems approaches, meant that the prospects identified mainly addressed these shortcomings. A spatial methodology for DRR-CCA seemed feasible. This research contributes a framework for conceptualising DRR-CCA risk governance in SIDS which could be applicable to others. It offers a Caribbean SIDS perspective and practical suggestions for DRR-CCA that are relevant to SIDS practitioners and donors. Further research should focus on testing the prospects across the varying governance contexts of SIDS.

This thesis is a descriptive study of problem representations of climate-induced human mobility in policy. Two cases which are severely impacted by climate change have been selected for the analysis: Kiribati and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Policies of these cases are analysed through a qualitative text analysis following the methodological approach “What’s the Problem Represented to Be?”. A particular focus is given to the issue of “planned relocations” as this is a form of human movement that is, per definition, driven by policy. The analysis found negative representations of human mobility to be present in both cases, but also positive representations in the case of Kiribati. Planned relocations were represented as something necessary and difficult by both the cases, but a substantial difference concerned the intended length of such movements. Lastly, this study highlights the need for further research on policy engagement in climate-induced human mobility.

Small islands developing states (SIDS) sustainability is a United Nations’ aim. Their markets are often influenced by external policies imposed by larger economies. Could an anti-competitive measure affect the food vulnerability of a SIDS? This research examines the effects of an external non-tariff measure (NTM) on Puerto Rico’s (PR) agribusinesses. It explores the effects of a maritime cabotage regulation (US Jones Act) on the affordability and accessibility of produce and grains. PR imports 100% of their needs of grain and over 85% of fresh produce. PR’s food imports are generally from the US and the trade service is restricted to the use of the US maritime transportation. As a result, the supply chain of these two sectors although different, are limited by the US Act that may impact the cost of food, its availability, firms’ efficiency and other structures of production. Using a mixed convergent design, PR’s agrifood supply chains were explored and analysed in relation to the maritime cabotage regulation. Oligopolistic structures and collusion between maritime transporters and local agribusinesses importers limit the access to data, but other internal factors also have a role. Fieldwork shows that while the cabotage regulation itself is a constraint, interaction with others NTM and the current political framework between US and PR are relevant. Factors such as lack of efficiency, poor innovation and a self-limitation of the agribusinesses firms were found. The novelty of this research is the use of mixed methods to evaluate the effects of cabotage on the agrifood supply chain.

Small islands developing states (SIDS) sustainability is a United Nations’ aim. Their markets are often influenced by external policies imposed by larger economies. Could an anti-competitive measure affect the food vulnerability of a SIDS? This research examines the effects of an external non-tariff measure (NTM) on Puerto Rico’s (PR) agribusinesses. It explores the effects of a maritime cabotage regulation (US Jones Act) on the affordability and accessibility of produce and grains. PR imports 100% of their needs of grain and over 85% of fresh produce. PR’s food imports are generally from the US and the trade service is restricted to the use of the US maritime transportation. As a result, the supply chain of these two sectors although different, are limited by the US Act that may impact the cost of food, its availability, firms’ efficiency and other structures of production. Using a mixed convergent design, PR’s agrifood supply chains were explored and analysed in relation to the maritime cabotage regulation. Oligopolistic structures and collusion between maritime transporters and local agribusinesses importers limit the access to data, but other internal factors also have a role. Fieldwork shows that while the cabotage regulation itself is a constraint, interaction with others NTM and the current political framework between US and PR are relevant. Factors such as lack of efficiency, poor innovation and a self-limitation of the agribusinesses firms were found. The novelty of this research is the use of mixed methods to evaluate the effects of cabotage on the agrifood supply chain.