This document proposes an institutional framework to better support Small Island Developing States (SIDS) at both the regional and global levels. It summarizes the current challenges and outlines a three-tiered approach with strengthened mechanisms at each level: [1] autonomous technical arms in each SIDS region, [2] strengthened representation and support for SIDS interests at the global level through AOSIS, and [3] funding to support implementation of commitments to SIDS sustainable development. The goal is a framework that addresses deficiencies and guides discussions at Rio+20 on improving the architecture for SIDS sustainable development.

1. Akilananda Chellapermal & Aurelie Hermans,
Commonwealth IAESD Group

2. Context
 The paper represents the consensus reached by SIDS
officials attending the Commonwealth course on the
International Architecture for Environment and
sustainable development (Pacific – 8; Caribbean-11;
AIMS-29; ComSec -4)
 It outlines the institutional framework at the global
and regional level to support SIDS
 The political and policy context for the proposal
 The reasons for a technical regional mechanism in
each SIDS region

3. Background
 Prior to 1992 (Adoption of Agenda 21 by the UNGA)
small islands issues were marginal to international
environmental diplomacy
 Call by Barbados August 1989 at the 1st Preparatory
Committee session for UNCED
 Resulted in Chapter 17 (G) in Agenda 21 – Sustainable
Development of small islands – recognition that SIDS
are special case both for environment and
development
 First UNGCSD of SIDS April-May 1994 in Barbados;
landmark event and milestone for SIDS

4. Output of the Barbados
Conference
 Declaration of Barbados: confirm some of the basic
elements for the foundation for the sustainable
development of SIDS
 BPOA for the sustainable development of SIDS
(Outlines 15 programmes areas as a framework for
implementing actions to facilitate the sustainable
development of SIDS)

5. High Level International
Meeting(BPOA + 10), Mauritius
 January 2005 International Review meeting in
Mauritius
 Mauritius Declaration
 Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of
the Barbados Programme of Action (MS/BPOA)
- Further strengthens the social and economic
dimension of the BPOA;
- More targeted emphasis on issues such as culture,
knowledge management, education for sustainable
development, consumption & production,
implications of globalisation & trade liberalisation

6. The Triangular Approach
 Three levels of Implementation: National, Regional &
International
 Regional components of the BPOA need to be
effectively coordinated through the preparation of a
“regional implementation strategy”,
 Supported by an effective inter-governmental
mechanism to advance the ideas of the POA and SD
in general.
 Limited Resources (UN Resolution 21 January 2011)
 Same Resolution recognised the need for ‘timely
action for the effective implementation of and follow
up of MS/BPOA

7. Implementation structure and Status of
Implementation of the BPOA and MS/BPOA
 At global level:
 SIDS Unit (institutional output of the first United Nations
Conference on sustainable development of SIDS)
 At regional level: situation differs; implementation entities
are:
 For AIMS region: Indian Ocean Commission (IOC)
Constraint: Not all the AIMS member states are members of
the IOC (Maldives & Singapore - Indian Ocean; Sao Tomé &
Principe, Cape Verde, Guinea – Atlantic Ocean)
 For Pacific region: South Pacific Regional Environment
Programme, relatively one of the effective region.

8.  For Caribbean region: different approaches were experimented.
May 1995 Joint coordinating mechanism of the secretariats of CARICOM and
ECLAC/CDCC was established.
2006 Regional Coordinating Mechanism (RCM) established
 General constraints: Implementation at regional level remains weak.
- Lack of strong regional technical mechanism with specific mandate for
implementing BPOA & MS/BPOA; a major constraint to promoting
inter- and intra-regional action;
- Current institutional structure for sustainable development of SIDS
insufficiently equipped to implement range of actions particularly at
the regional level;
- Cannot provide a more structured, systematic technical & legal analysis
inputs at international level through AOSIS;
 UN Resolution 65/156 recognises these weaknesses and recommends
the needs for timely action,, cooperation among SIDS, urgent need to
increase the level of resources and the mainstreaming and integration
of the MS/BPOA by the UN system

9. Rio + 20: An Opportunity Time for
Reviewing the Institutional Framework for the
Sustainable Development of SIDS.
 Issues surrounding the institutional framework for
sustainable development provide opportunities to
rethink the way the international environment and
sustainable architecture deals with and makes
provision for the most vulnerable nations which are
special case for environment & development

10. Evolution of SIDS participation in international
environmental and sustainable development
negotiations
Use of continuum in order to show the evolution of SIDS in
the negotiations:
Four Phases: (i) Obscurity (ii) Recognition and Acceptance (iii)
Consolidation (iv) Designation
 Phase One: Pre-1992 Era
 Phase Two: Recognition & Acceptance
- Chapter 17 (G) in Agenda 21
- Consolidated through the Barbados Conference (1994)
- 1994- 2012: SIDS have remained in this phase

11. Phase III: Consolidation
 Rio + 20: An opportunity for SIDS to lay the groundwork
& propel to the next stage
 Characteristics of this phase:
- More coherent UN Institutional Structure which caters
for the needs of SIDS with stability and predictability;
- Structure that adequately reflects the sustainable
development priorities of SIDS;
- Concrete actions based on national & regional priorities
- Provision of adequate & predictable ‘support’ of financial
resources to facilitate transition to sustainable green
economies

12. Characteristics (Cont)
- Sound Scientific basis
- Credible commitment to capacity development &
technology transfer

13. Consolidation Phase: Regional
level
 The Regional Technical Arms, one in each region based on their
respective unique characteristics & specificities;

15. Focus of the proposed Regional
Mechanism
 Programme Implementation
 Technical Advisory Services
 Inter & Intra-Regional Collaboration & Coordination
 Formulation of Common Positions & Bridging the
Gap between the Regional & International Levels
 Public Awareness & Education
 Resource Mobilisation
 Monitoring & Evaluation

16. Aims of the regional mechanism
 Aims:
 to provide an inter-governmental structure for the
implementation of the BPOA and MS/BPOA
 to provide a platform for inter and intra regional
collaboration between the SIDS in the various SIDS
regions.

17. Form of the Regional
Mechanism
 The regional mechanisms nested in existing regional
institutions:
 In the AIMS region: consideration is given to IOC or the
Universities in the region
 In the Pacific region: SPREP considered as the most
appropriate institution
 In the Caribbean region: the Caribbean Community
Secretariat or the Institute for Sustainable
Development, University of Mona, Jamaica.
 Must function as autonomous entities.

18. Financing
 On a cost sharing basis
 Hosting institution provide the physical space
 Percentage of programmatic costs provided through
the regular budget of the UN as part of the funding
for the operations of the SIDS secretariat
 Establishment of Regional Funding Mechanisms

19. Global Level
There is a need for:
 the strengthening of the SIDS international negotiating
mechanism –AOSIS
 The establishment of a SIDS/AOSIS Secretariat to
support operations of OASIS & structured inputs
directly from SIDS Regions in support of SIDS
negotiating positions
 Support from three autonomous technical arms from
each SID region

20. The Way Forward
 Framework respond to deficiencies highlighted in
UNGA Resolution 65/156 concerning the effective
implementation of BPOA & MS/BPOA;
 First attempt since Barbados Conference(1994) to
propose a design of a regional framework;
 Provide the guidance under Rio 2012 agenda area of
‘institutional framework for sustainable development’,
one of the priority areas for consideration at the
Conference
 Phase Four: Designation; one of the strategic targets
of Barbados+ 20 for SIDS in 2014