Caught in the crosshairs of escalating global crises, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) will meet from May 27-30, 2024, with the international community to discuss ways to tackle issues including their vulnerability to climate change impacts, exposure to pollution, and economic headwinds.
While their small land size creates unique development challenges for island nations, these countries also have large ocean territories. Sustainable management of these resources already acts as an engine of jobs and GDP. More importantly, their ocean territory holds the key to future opportunities and prosperity. Coastal and marine-based industries inject the global economy with US$2.5 trillion a year.
The World Bank is supporting island countries around the globe to develop sustainable blue economies to adapt to climate change, create jobs, boost economies, and improve quality of life for communities.
“Ninety percent of our animal protein comes from fish,” said Arlindo Carvalho, technical coordinator at the Ministry of Infrastructures, Natural Resources and the Environment in São Tomé and Príncipe. “In our society, the men fish and the women sell fish, so protecting the lives and livelihoods associated with fishing is essential.”
The World Bank’s West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience Program (WACA) is supporting coastal infrastructure improvements in fishing communities of São Tomé and Príncipe. These efforts include road rehabilitation, building new breakwaters, seawalls, boat ramps, and safer housing for people exposed to storm surges and rising sea levels. Lighthouses have been renovated and outfitted with solar-powered technology.
Due to overfishing, fish stocks are reduced near land. Fishers now face more treacherous voyages in small canoes and boats as they travel further from shore into rougher conditions in unfamiliar waters. Even close to shore, sea levels are rising.
Through World Bank projects, safety-at-sea kits including Global Positioning System (GPS) instruments, electronics protectors, and lifejackets have been distributed to about 3,000 fishers.
“From the beach, the sea may look friendly but when you sail in deep waters it’s dangerous and scary. There are sharks; even whales. It’s easy to lose sight of land,” said fisherman Célcio Dias.
Across the globe in the Pacific region where coastal fisheries contribute an estimated 49 percent of overall fisheries input to GDP for half of households in some areas better fisheries management is vital for generating export earnings and improving livelihoods.
Some 60 percent of the world’s tuna supply is sourced from this region. Risks from climate change include shifts in fishing locations and lower capture numbers.
The World Bank Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program (PROP) supports sustainable blue economy-based livelihoods by helping countries establish national authorities for better regulation of fishing activities that allow export to regions like the European Union. PROP also supports training programs designed to boost employment opportunities through initiatives like electronic monitoring systems.
Through support for the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), which regulates tuna fisheries in the Pacific region PROP initiated essential training programs aimed at improving safety standards among regional fisheries observers while also building a better shoreline inspection regime
Funding from The International Development Association (IDA) allows The World Bank To support sustainable fisheries management across various pacific nations such as Marshall Islands where efforts focus on strengthening monitoring surveillance & vessel tracking systems while work done In Tonga aims towards capacity-building within community-based fisheries operations alongside funding provisions towards necessary equipment purchases
Meanwhile Kiribati strengthens its own capabilities through establishment two new monitoring centers aimed specifically at bolstering surveillance measures
“Growing up as a kid In Kiribati The Ocean was Our Life” said Mariaa Henry enforcement officer under Kiribati's Ministry Of Fisheries Marine Resource Development “I feel what I’m doing right now helps conserve resources future generations grandkids great-grandkids will benefit”
Similar challenges face Caribbean Island states where marine fisheries suffer illegal unreported fishing alongside unsafe practices leading pollution issues
The Unleashing Blue Economy Caribbean Project (UBEC) A $90 million initiative funded By PROBLUE Trust Fund aims strengthen blue economy investments across multiple sectors creating employment opportunities
Partnerships With Organization Eastern Caribbean States Commission islands Saint Lucia Grenada Saint Vincent Grenadines emphasize collaboration scaling enterprise operations through regional grants particularly aiding female entrepreneurs
“One biggest challenges access financing still problem today” says Eget Martyr diving company owner Saint Lucia ocean tourism sector “You want expand give opportunities others young people just don’t resources”
As island nations seek adaptation strategies amidst changing climates growing blue economy remains best opportunity growth food security job creation