Vibrant Blue Economies
Realising the vast potential of nature-based solutions
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are a group of distinct island nations around the world. These countries are renowned for their natural assets, from pristine coastlines to picturesque marine ecosystems, but they're also uniquely vulnerable to the changing climate.
As leading marine scientist Dr. Deborah Brosnan explains, "these islands contribute less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, but they suffer disproportionately".
With increased exposure to hurricanes, cyclones, flooding, and rising sea levels, SIDS are on the frontier of climate change. How can we stop them from being lost forever?
The answer may lie in changing the way we think about small islands, focusing less on the land and more on the huge areas of ocean under their control; almost 30 times the size of the islands themselves. The natural assets in and around these waters have rich economic potential that could restore these fragile ecosystems.
Nature-based solutions, eco-tourism initiatives, investment in biodiversity and carbon markets, and innovative approaches to insurance can all play their part in creating a new wave of vibrant blue economies across our oceans.
Do you want to learn more about the topic of regenerating oceans? Visit our digital hub for extended interviews, case study films and reports.
With thanks to the following contributors:
Dr. Deborah Brosnan, Marine Scientist and Climate Risk Expert
Rebekah Clement from Lloyd’s (a member of the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Insurance Task Force)
Paul Andrew Gomez, High Commissioner of The Bahamas
Johanna Leonhardt from Soneva (a member of the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Hospitality and Tourism Task Force)
