TheSmall Island Developing States (SIDS) are a grouping ofdeveloping countries which are smallisland countries andsmall states that tend to share similarsustainable development challenges. These include small but growing populations, limited resources, remoteness, susceptibility tonatural disasters, vulnerability to external shocks, excessive dependence oninternational trade, and fragile environments. Their growth and development are also held back by high communication, energy and transportation costs, irregular international transport volumes, disproportionately expensive public administration andinfrastructure due to their small size, and little to no opportunity to createeconomies of scale. They consist of some of themost vulnerable countries to anthropogenicclimate change.
The SIDS were first recognized as a distinct group of developing countries at theUnited Nations Conference on Environment and Development in June 1992. TheBarbados Programme of Action was produced in 1994 to assist the SIDS in their sustainable development efforts. TheUnited Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) represents the group of states.[1]
As of 2023, theUnited Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) lists 57 suchnations (39sovereign states and 18dependent territories).[2] These nations are grouped into three geographical regions: theCaribbean;[3] thePacific;[4] andAfrica,Indian Ocean,Mediterranean andSouth China Sea (AIMS),[5] including 18 Associate Members of the United Nations Regional Commissions. Each of these regions has a regional cooperation body: theCaribbean Community, thePacific Islands Forum, and theIndian Ocean Commission respectively, which many SIDS are members or associate members of. In addition, most (but not all) SIDS are members of theAlliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), which performs lobbying and negotiating functions for the SIDS within theUnited Nations System.
The SIDS are some of the regions mostvulnerable to anthropogenic climate change. Due to their oceanic environment, SIDS are especially vulnerable to the marineeffects of climate change likesea level rise,ocean acidification,marine heatwaves, and theincrease in cyclone intensity. Changing precipitation patterns could also causedroughts. Many citizens of SIDS live near a coastline, meaning that they have a high risk exposure to the effects of marine climate change. Additional climate change vulnerability comes through their economies: many SIDS have economies that are based on natural resources, such as ecotourism, fishing, or agriculture. Phenomena like sea level rise,coastal erosion, and severe storms have the potential to severely impact their economies.[7]
In addition to these vulnerabilities, the energy sector in Small Island Developing States faces unique challenges and opportunities, particularly in the least-electrified regions. According to the March 2024IRENA report, "Small Island Developing States at a Crossroads: Towards Equitable Energy Access in Least-Electrified Countries," these states, which contribute less than 1% to globalgreenhouse gas emissions, are exploring decentralizedrenewable energy solutions to address their energy access issues. Technologies such asbiomass gasification,small-scale hydro, andsolar PV not only offer paths to reduce theircarbon footprint but also enhance resilience against climate impacts. The report highlights case studies fromGuinea-Bissau,Papua New Guinea, andVanuatu, showing significantsocio-economic benefits from improved energy access, including increased income opportunities for rural women and reduced indoorair pollution. These advancements are crucial as they not only provide immediate relief but also contribute to long-term sustainability and resilience against future climate challenges."[8]
Small island developing states are mentioned in several of theSustainable Development Goals.[9] For example, Target 7 ofSustainable Development Goal 14 ("Life below Water") states: "By 2030, increase the economic benefits to small island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism".[10]
Several Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including Palau and Orkney,[clarification needed] have launched renewable energy initiatives to improve energy efficiency and reduce reliance on fossil fuels; Palau has set a target of transitioning to 45% renewable energy by 2025, while Orkney is expanding its use of tidal turbines to create a 50 MW array.[11]
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