In May 2024, Cari-Bois contributor Stefanie Lauchman attended the SID4 Conference in Antigua and Barbuda. During the conference, Lauchman interviewed several environmental stakeholders who were actively working to address the “pushback” that Small Island Development States (SIDS) are getting to their “special case” for sustainable development designation at the UN. Lauchman produced this special report for Cari-Bois.
While the fourth Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) Conference may have concluded on May 30 in Antigua and Barbuda, stakeholders are committed to their advocacy efforts with the hope of ensuring that SIDS remain classified as a “special case” for sustainable development.
In 1992, SIDS were designated as a “special case” for sustainable development during that year’s UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio, Brazil.
The designation recognised that while many then emerging environmental threats – like climate change – may affect SIDS, the countries themselves weren’t inherently the driving forces behind these threats.
As such, the designation also paved a pathway for Global North countries to be held accountable for the role they play in these environmental threats and, in turn, contribute towards actions to reduce the vulnerabilities and improving the resilience of SIDS.
But since the designation, some Global North countries have been resistant, and SIDS are now “fighting a silent battle” to safeguard their designation.
“We are not creating these problems.”
Nicole Leotaud, Executive Director of the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI)
Director of the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI), Nicole Leotaud, told Cari-Bois that “pushback” to the idea that SIDS do not need special assistance for their sustainable development is disappointing.
Leotaud continuously highlighted the issue at this year’s SIDS4 Conference and noted the vulnerabilities which led to the “special case” designation for SIDS – their geographic sizes and economies – are still important to consider.
She explained, “We are not creating these problems but they’re tremendously disruptive to our development.
“The most obvious one is climate change where SIDS are not the major contributor to greenhouse gases.
“However, SIDS are on the frontline, and we are one of the most vulnerable groups of climate change.”
While a 10-year plan of action titled the Antigua & Barbuda Agenda (ABAS) for SIDS was endorsed at the SIDS4 Conference, Leotaud said SIDS must still be provided support even as they lead their own sustainable development agenda.
Prior to the start of the conference, CANARI also organised a pre-summit for CSOs to ensure they are effectively engaged in contributing to the actions outlined in the ABAS document.
Suriname’s Minister of Spatial Planning and Environment, Marciano Dasai, does not hide his outrage at the “resistance” SIDS are faced with.
Dasai told Cari-Bois there is enough evidence which supports the “special case” for sustainable development status for Suriname and other SIDS.
From extreme drought to devastating floods, Dasai highlighted the effects of climate change on Suriname have become more noticeable in recent times.
He added Suriname is still the most forested country on earth and contributes significantly to the sequestration of carbon which have been emitted by Global North countries for centuries.
Global environmental consultancy and advisory firm, Island Innovation, has been assisting with sustainable development efforts in SIDS for several years.
The firm’s founder and director, James Ellsmoor, told Cari-Bois it is important for SIDS to maintain their special status.
While some SIDS can be considered upper middle income, Ellsmoor said there is a unique vulnerability when it comes to their small geographic size as the entire Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of a country can be wiped out by a single weather event, like a Hurricane, for example.
Ellsmoor added, “This fragility needs to be considered as the realities of climate change for SIDS are very different and unique”
Additionally, Ellsmoor explained there are challenges with using GDP per capita as a measurement for development and accessibility especially on the ground in SIDS.
For example, a large hotel development (or large tourism industry) can contribute to higher GDPs, but the revenue generated may not always be returned to the local economy and help citizens.
The SIDS4 Conference saw civil society organizations unite in their advocacy.
Throughout the conference, the organisations were committed to ensuring their contributions, regarding the needs of SIDS, were heard.
CSOs also emphasized their role in shaping policies and strengthening collaboration between all stakeholders to advance the sustainable development agenda for SIDS.
While the “pushback” on SIDS, demanding Global North countries to take accountability, will continue especially through the “special case” for sustainable development designation, Ellsmoor said that “thankfully, the SIDS4 Conference has seen a strong voice for advocacy for the special needs of SIDS.”
