Pursuing Sustainable Futures in the Pacific Small Island Developing States
Our small island developing states (SIDS) scattered across the Moana (Pacific Ocean) face development challenges. Our small land sizes, remoteness from major markets, vulnerability to climate change impacts livelihoods and reliance on narrow sectors like tourism and fisheries limits socioeconomic progress. But with tailored policies and partnerships, Pacific island countries can chart sustainable pathways aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Our Pacific cultures are rich, granted. Our communities are increasingly interconnected, true. But let's explore what are the development priorities in key sectors, the local and regional sustainability initiatives and the role of Pacific languages, cultures and indigenous knowledge.
At Huri Translations, translating brochures, guides and documentaries for Pacific projects exposes our team of linguists to how Pacific SIDS depend on tourism, but also to how remoteness and limited infrastructure remain obstacles to our communities. Encouraging sustainable tourism development is essential and we have seen how Palau implemented visitor fees that raise revenues for conservation. French Polynesia, Fiji and Vanuatu are improving sustainability standards in hotels too. Regional initiatives like Pacific Tourism Organization's “Ecotourism Recovery” and Geoparks help islands jointly promote eco-tourism.
Developing local human resources is another major tool. The Federated States of Micronesia's national tourism framework increases training for islanders to manage tourism enterprises and protect cultural heritage. Such strategies boost community-led tourism with conservation safeguards.