Environment

Environment

‘The question of climate change can only be dealt with if we act on the scientific evidence- and act rapidly and decisively to turn the tide. Saving islands, also means saving the planet.’

― James Michel, President of the Republic of the Seychelles

SIDSsmall island developing States (SIDS) were recognized as a distinct group of developing countries at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992.
More information on UNCTAD official page.¹ are in possession of some of the planet’s most unique and, unfortunately, vulnerable geographies. These vulnerabilities include fast moving natural disasters, such as hurricanes and floods, as well as slower-moving threats, such as rising sea levels, ocean acidification and saline intrusion.

The environment plays a pivotal role in most SIDS’ economies, for instance in the form of tourismTourism refers to the activity of visitors -—
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—-. International tourism expenditure is often approximated by the sum of travel services and transport of passengers, reported under balance of payments statistics (see Trade in services). Transport of passengers not considered, tourism represents a subset of travel, as some travelers, such as border-workers, travel for regular work, as they are holding employment contracts outside their usual residential environment. Activities of border-workers and similar travelers do not belong under tourism. -—
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—-, agriculture and fishing, among others. That makes preparation and mitigation measures for existing in an environmentally changing world especially crucial.