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The Mystery of the Barbados Action Plan: How Will It Change the Future of Small Island States?
Small island developing countries (SIDS) are a group of developing countries composed of small island countries and small countries that face similar sustainable development challenges. SIDS have become increasingly important since they were first recognized as a distinct group of developing countries in 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. The Barbados Action Plan was created in 1994 to assist small island countries in promoting sustainable development. The implementation of this plan is crucial to the future of small island countries.
The development of small island countries is limited by a variety of factors, including lack of resources, vulnerability to natural disasters and over-reliance on international trade.
Based on 2023 data, the United Nations Office for Small Development Countries lists 57 small island countries, including 39 sovereign countries and 18 dependent areas. The countries are divided into three geographical regions: Caribbean, Pacific and Africa, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean and South China Sea (AIMS). Each region has cooperative institutions, such as the Caribbean Community, the Pacific Islands Forum and the Indian Ocean Commission, and many SIDS countries are members or affiliate members of these institutions.
As climate change intensifies, SIDS has become one of the most vulnerable countries in the world, and its economy, society and environment will face further challenges.
The challenges faced by SIDS not only come from its fragile environment, but also include high communication costs, energy costs and transportation costs. Even the construction of infrastructure has become extremely expensive due to the small size of the country. In addition, the unique vulnerabilities of SIDS make them more susceptible to climate change impacts such as sea level rise, ocean acidification and heat waves. Faced with these challenges, how to securely safeguard the livelihoods of small island countries has become the focus of global attention.
However, the Barbados Action Plan and its follow-up steps also offer new hope. For example, according to the 2024 International Renewable Energy Agency report, these countries explore decentralized renewable energy solutions to solve energy access problems.
Although these countries contribute less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, they are seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and increase their resilience to climate impacts through technologies such as biomass gasification, small hydropower and solar power generation.
The report also shows several cases, such as the experience of Guinea-Bissau, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, where significant socio-economic benefits have been achieved in improving energy access, including increasing the incomes of rural women opportunities and reduce indoor air pollution.
In terms of the Sustainable Development Goals, small island countries are also included in several goals. For example, Goal 7 of Sustainable Development Goal 14 states: “By 2030, increase the economic benefits of small island developing countries and least developed countries through sustainably managing fisheries, aquaculture and tourism.” This is clear guidance. The policy will undoubtedly be the backbone of future efforts.
However, despite the support of the international community, the future of small island states remains uncertain. The reality that they must find ways to survive amid the uncertainty of global climate change raises important questions: Is the Barbados Action Plan sufficient to withstand future challenges, or does a more innovative and inclusive response strategy be required?
