Campaign Amplifying Island Issues IN LEAD UP TO SIDS4
Issued on a monthly basis, The Hummingbird offers insights into the latest projects, publications, technical assistance missions and research carried out by ECLAC Caribbean. In addition to these, sneak previews are provided of the most salient upcoming events, alongside enriching followups to previously covered issues. With a view to featuring a variety of facets of Caribbean life and lifestyle, The Hummingbird also zooms in on cultural activities and landmark occurrences through an eye-opening regional round-up.
EDITORIAL TEAM
Editor / Writer: Jabari Fraser
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The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean subregional headquarters for the Caribbean (ECLAC Caribbean) and United Nations Information Centre for the Caribbean Area (UNIC Caribbean) are proud to announce the launch of the “Imagine a World Without Islands” campaign. With small island developing States (SIDS) facing a shaky and uncertain future, this initiative will lean on island voices to make the case that SIDS and their way of life are worth fighting for. Taking place in the lead up to the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in Antigua and Barbuda, 27 May to 30 May 2024, the ‘Imagine a World Without Islands’ campaign will also educate on key SIDS concepts and highlight the oversized impact that islands and island people have had on the world stage.
Islands face a future in limbo
Small island developing States (SIDS) find themselves in the throes of multiple crises, from the devastating climate crisis, and escalating debt,
Campaign Amplifying Island Issues
IN LEAD UP TO SIDS4
to the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite contributing less than 1% of the greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change, the world’s 39 small island nation states, and many other island countries, are disproportionately affected by the consequences because of their unique vulnerabilities that include remoteness, small size and economies, dependence on ocean resources, reliance on imports, and limited access to finance.
Inspired by the SIDS rallying cry “1.5 to stay alive,” which underscores the urgent need to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the campaign urges the world to envision a grim future where islands could cease to exist. With current pledges under the Paris Agreement putting the world on track for a 2.5-2.9°C temperature rise above pre-industrial levels this century, we must now ask a difficult question: what happens if the world fails to correct course? Whether it’s sea level rise swallowing islands whole in the Pacific or hurricanes growing in intensity and frequency in the Atlantic, one thing is clear: islands are on the frontline of the climate crisis and the worst is yet to come.
A partnership across SIDS regions
The ‘Imagine a World Without Islands’ campaign transcends geographical boundaries, drawing attention to the collective significance of islands across the Caribbean, the Pacific, and the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and South China Sea (AIS) regions.
With 39 SIDS worldwide and 20 associate members of regional commissions, island people on some 11,000 permanently inhabited islands worldwide, deserve to be heard when decisions are being made about their future. This campaign was developed with support from United Nations Caribbean and UN Pacific, underscoring the collaborative effort to reflect the voices of SIDS across regions ahead of this once in a decade conference.
Joining the Campaign
The campaign will feature different types of content responding to the challenge: “imagine a world without islands” across UN System social media platforms. Members of the public are invited to join the campaign by offering their own response to the prompt and posting online using the hashtag #SIDSStories. Island youth and island icons have been specially invited to speak up in the days leading up to the start of the conference. This campaign will also feature a special SIDS4 primer for Caribbean journalists and civil society to be hosted virtually in the days leading up to the conference.
Join us for this critical campaign and together, let’s chart the course toward resilient prosperity. For more information and campaign updates, please visit www.un.org/en/page/sids
What are SIDS?
Small Island Developing States are countries and islands that face unique economic, environmental and social vulnerabilities.
Imagine a world without Islands
In the context of the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4), our campaign challenges the world to grapple with the ominous threat of climate inaction, biodiversity loss, debt and development challenges faced by small, water encircled countries… Can you Imagine a world without Islands?
Depending on the size, geographic, economic, developmental, political definition of small island states, the number of SIDS globally can range from 18 – 58. UN DESA lists 39 SIDS, 37 of which are UN Member States. There are an additional 18 Associate Members of the UN’s regional commissions. For decades, the debate on a definition for small states has meandered without consensus.
There are innumerable islands all around the world. In the Caribbean basin alone, there are more than 7,000 islands, islets and keys – 13 are sovereign states, as classified by their own jurisprudence and recognized by the United Nations.
Even though most of the islands are not inhabited, most Caribbean nation states are a collection of multiple islands, there are even countries that share one main island – Haiti and Dominican Republic share the island of Hispaniola.
There are 19 non-sovereign nations in the Caribbean. Some examples of these with different political classifications are – Anguilla, Guadeloupe, San Andres and Providencia, British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Two overseas territories – Sint Maarten and Saint Martin – also share an island.
While these islands are not classified as states, they have resident populations, vast history, cultures, economic and political systems. They all face the existential crisis that comes with islandness.
ON SIDS SIDS OF SIDS debate Caribbean characteristics
Environmental
Many SIDS are remote and acutely vulnerable to weather, seismic and oceanographic events, including the effects of climate change –extreme weather events (tropical storms, hurricanes), sea level rise, habitat degradation. Most SIDS have difficulties dealing with the effects of extreme weather events such as storm surges, landslides, destruction of habitats, biodiversity loss.
While SIDS are scattered around the world, and are not heterogeneous in culture, politics or economy, they have similar characteristics – small size, environmental vulnerability, small population, geographic remoteness, narrow economic base, dependence on imports and aid, and limitations in participating in international relations.
Economic
Because of their small size, the Economies of SIDS are highly vulnerable to external factors beyond their control, affecting economic stability and viability. Remoteness, small size, insularity, proneness to extreme weather events, low resilience to international shocks and economies with little diversification make SIDS economically vulnerable. In recent years, higher GDP (Gross Domestic Product) often hides SIDS’ economic vulnerability.
Other
Many SIDS also face a combination of several other challenges, including the effects of colonialism, extraction of natural resources, low technical capacity, food insecurity and brain drain.
Scientists forecast that a 2°C increase in temperature will trigger sea level rise that will consume 13,000km² of Caribbean land area (Global Americans 2019).
The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) estimates that continued climate inaction in the region will start eating away at GDP. By 2025 it could total US $10.7 billion, $22 billion by 2050 and $46 billion by 2100, at 5%, 10% and 22% of Caribbean GDP, respectively (Global Americans 2019).
There are around 900,000 official islands in the world! This number is made up of all the official islands and islets listed by each country.
• Fragile land + marine ecosystems & biodiversity loss
• Limited natural resources
• Extensive marine area around SIDS –susceptible to catastrophic natural disasters
• Extensive marine area around SIDS
• SIDS contribute less than one per cent global greenhouse gas emissions
• Biodiversity in SIDS is wide
• Together, SIDS form a large group of countries
• Large ocean
ARE PEOPLE too! island people
Did you know?
Globally, while the number of people in SIDS amounts to less than one per cent of the global population, there are 65 million people in Small Island Developing States!
In two out of three SIDS, tourism represents 20% of their GDP. While we may live where you vacation, our beaches, nature, cultures and islands are real places and are important for our lives, livelihoods, civilizations and survival.
*Trinidad and Tobago Carnival attracts more than 30,000 foreign visitors each year.
While Caribbean carnivals are popular tourist attractions, they are significant cultural events, and generate millions of dollars in economic activity.
There are 1,500 languages in SIDS around the world. There are 106 dominant languages, spoken by 96 per cent of the SIDS population.
Glow UP!
A GLOBAL CAMPAIGN ON ISLANDS BY ISLANDS FOR ISLANDS
T&T star soca singer Mical Teja singing the praises of cultural and natural island treasures… Picture Machel Montano reflecting on the beauty of Caribbean islands… Internationally acclaimed Caribbean designer Anya Ayoung Chee celebrating the impact of island flare on fashion globally… Caribbean and Pacific Youth talking about the social, cultural and environmental treasures of their islands… yep! They all featured in the ECLAC and UNIC Caribbean campaign launched in March, called: Imagine a World Without Islands.
This was the first internallyproduced campaign from the Caribbean to be featured in United Nations’ global communication materials. Social Media Assistant at UNIC Caribbean Zico Cozier says,
“Our campaign emphasized the urgency of addressing these challenges —before it's too late — by highlighting what everyone, everywhere, stands to lose in a world without islands. We leaned on the voices of island people across SIDS regions to tell their own stories and we provided them a global platform to do so, distributing the campaign material for use across the entire UN System through the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC) in New York.”
A WEBINAR FOR SIDS JOURNALISTS
In the lead-up to SIDS4, regional journalists gathered to discuss issues affecting small island nations, share their experiences covering SIDS, multilateral meetings and climate issues.
Antigua and Barbuda’s lead negotiator for Small Island Developing States Issues
Tumasie Blair has said that the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) is not as ambitious as what islands around the world wanted, but island nations were able to clearly establish their boundaries and demand that they were not crossed. Representative Blair was speaking at the event Eye on Island Issues, a webinar put on by ECLAC and United Nations
Information Centre Caribbean in the lead up to SIDS4. Attended by over 50 journalists and media professionals from the Caribbean, the workshop prepared reporters, writers and bloggers to cover the conference.
Commenting on how the ABAS was agreed upon, Representative Blair said, “The negotiation I would say was extremely tough, a lot of battles, I would say, having very
frank, closed door conversations, indicating very clearly that we have red lines as SIDS and… we will not give up until you at least understand where we are, and indicate to us clearly how you intend to assist us getting to where we need to go within the next ten years. The end result was of course, the document wasn’t where we started at, but I think we are leaving the negotiation not 100% happy but satisfied that we were able to accomplish most of our asks. I’d say for example, there’s very strong language on climate finance, access to finance for SIDS.”
The Antigua and Barbuda representative highlighted the fact the SIDS’ small diplomatic teams and limited resources mean that negotiating as individual states is
very difficult compared to larger and more developed countries. He also noted that the large countries also have greater influence on media, and that helps push the narrative of the industrial world. “It is important for the media to recognise this… as islanders, we continuously indicate that we are the conscience of humanity. We are the ones who are able to advocate vigorously, our stories are believable… “The media is extremely important in how we try to amplify the voice and how we negotiate as small states.” He also gave reporters tips on how they should stake out at international conferences; to get promises from developed-country-politicians and multilateral partners.
“I want the media, when people are leaving that meeting to approach them and ask them frankly, what are you doing for SIDS? And you get them on record, and this is how we start to hold them accountable. Quoting them, hear them indicating clearly, that we are going to support SIDS and you follow up continuously, six months later, a year later. Minister, you’ve said this, indicated you’re going to do this.”
In lecture style, ECLAC Caribbean Director Diane Quarless gave an overarching brief on the challenges that small island nations face. She also spoke about the opportunities SIDS have in their resilience, status as biodiversity defenders, solidarity and as leaders in climate ambition.
“I am thrilled that we have this wide cross section of journalists – the deans and veteran commentators, hungry reporters, broadcasters, bloggers and tiktokers!”
She said the role of journalism and is to report on what is happening on the ground, but also to lead public discussion and thought. She noted that Caribbean newsrooms have human resource challenges and many times, may not have the opportunity to focus on issues of sustainable development. “How do we solve these issues? The discussions must be centred on how to combat the smallness. Organize yourselves into partnerships… Newsrooms and media owners must forge partnerships among other media owners in the region. Share the development stories that make the news in Antigua on the Jamaican airwaves. The Lucian marine Instagrammer must do a joint post or a “collab” with the Vincy independent media. I cannot stress enough how important collaboration is.”
Director of UNIC Caribbean Liliana Garavito said the collaboration with ECLAC was important and fruitful and gave regional reporters insight
into SIDS challenges and useful journalistic tips. “We aimed to delve into practical strategies for covering the conference, spotlighting its critical importance and the multifaceted challenges it addresses.
Moreover, we gave participants valuable tools to communicate these messages powerfully through media channels. Central to our discussions was the forward-looking agenda for SIDS, envisioning resilient economies, fostering robust and healthy societies, ensuring sustainability, and catalyzing climate action with requisite financing… SIDS confront unique vulnerabilities, persisting despite sustained efforts and numerous action programs, as they struggle with the impacts of climate change, natural disasters, and economic instability.”
Presenting on practical tips for reporters at climate conferences, Trinidad and Tobago climate and development journalist Ryan Bachoo shared his experience. “We come from Small Island developing states, our islands are fractions of what their cities are, so you have to maintain blinkers as to what you are there for… be laser visioned as to what you are there for, and the stories that
matter to our people… Let’s find a way to connect our stories with what is impacting our lives around the Caribbean.”
Deandre Williamson, a journalist from the Bahamas “When you cover the daily press briefings, I encourage journalists to ask questions, come prepared to ask questions about what is going on, know the events that took place during the day, know the key negotiations and discussions so that you can be able to ask informed questions. Also, be familiar with the current issues facing SIDS in the Caribbean and around the world.”
Cuba’s Vice Minister of the economy and planning Johana Odriozola was also part of the discussion and said that even though Cuba is a large island, they too face all the other challenges that other SIDS face, including complicated to access to financing. Also presenting was former science and environmental editor of El Espectador (Colombia) Pablo Correa, who spoke about the evolution of environmental and climate coverage.
THE KITCHEN
CELEBRATING THE COCONUT
The coconut is often viewed as a defining feature of the ‘tropical island’, including the Caribbean. It is a symbol of island life, however the coconut is not indigenous to the Caribbean. Rather, its origins are in SouthEast Asia and the Indian Ocean. The specific period it arrived in the Caribbean is not known, however is likely to be as early as the 1500's. It is better said that it is the perfect symbol for small island developing States as its history connects us.
Coconut water has become very famous over the years, not only because it tastes good but also because it is good for you in many ways. Coconut water is delicious on its own, but when mixed with other delicious fruits, juices or even spirits, it can take your drink to the next level.
Here are five (5) Coconut Water Cocktails that are great for relaxing and enjoying the island taste of coconut water.
The Pina Colada is the perfect tropical drink, and its main ingredient, coconut water, is what makes it stand out.
Mix coconut water, pineapple juice, white rum, and crushed ice to make this popular drink. Pour into a cold glass and decorate with a pineapple wedge to feel like you're at the beach.
Fill a tall glass with lots of ice. Add lime juice, mint honey syrup and pure coconut water. Alternatively, you could shake everything together in a cocktail shaker and pour over ice. Add some cucumber slices and garnish with a lime wedge. Drink up!
Mint honey syrup: combine honey, water and mint in a small saucepan over medium low heat. Simmer for 5-8 minutes. Strain out the mint leaves and let cool. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
1Mint, Honey Coconut Water Mocktail The Classic Pina Colada
Water Lemonade
Slice 2 lemons into pieces, set aside.
In a pitcher, combine 4 cups coconut water, 5 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 3 limes juiced and 3 tbsp sugar together. Stir to mix well. Add the sliced lemons and about 2 cups of ice into the pitcher. Pour the lemonade into glasses and garnish with mint leaves.
Use coconut water instead of regular water in your margaritas to make them better.
The result? A smoother, more refreshing version of this beloved cocktail. Don't forget the salted rim!
Margarita with coconut
Orange And Coconut Water Refresher
This five-ingredient orange and coconut water refresher is a great beverage for any occasion. It is naturally sweetened by fresh orange juice and coconut water!
Mix together in a pitcher, 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 1 cup sparkling water, 1 cup coconut water, a few sprigs of fresh mint and a handful of ice cubes.
