UNESCO's contribution to the Mauritius Strategy for the implementation of the programme of action for the sustainable development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) 2008-2009
This document reports on main developments and highlights results obtained by the UNESCO Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Platform over the 2008-2009 biennium in its effort to reduce vulnerabilities – whether relating to disasters, climate change, or other challenges – by building upon and reinforcing the resilience and strength that characterizes island societies.
It lists examples of activities undertaken in the context of the SIDS Platform during 2008-2009, in order of the seven expected results:
(i) interlinked environmental and sociocultural change in SIDS documented and policy frameworks, modalities and tools for sustainable island living identified, shared and applied within and across SIDS regions;
(ii) sustainable development issues integrated into educational programmes in SIDS ensuring awareness and a better understanding of the issues at stake;
(iii) local and indigenous knowledge recognized and reinforced in SIDS education and environmental management, including as a response to climate change;
(iv) knowledge base for assessing water resources, especially in SIDS, enhanced;
(v) integrated heritage policies developed for SIDS, representation of heritage from SIDS on the World Heritage List improved, capacities for sustainable conservation and effective management of properties enhanced and intangible cultural heritage safeguarding plans developed;
(vi) information literacy and knowledge of sustainable development challenges and practices enhanced;
(vii) participatory mechanisms and community networks strengthened, with particular emphasis on youth participation.