The International Meeting to Review the Implementation of the BPOA The preparatory process for the AIMS SIDS Synthesis of conclusions and recommendations presentation by Diane Quarless Chief, SIDS Unit Water, Natural Resources and SIDS Branch Division for Sustainable Development Department of Economic and Social Affairs United Nations

International Meeting to Review Implementation of the BPOA Overview n Synthesis of priorities n Continuing challenges n Emerging issues n Next steps in the preparatory process: –UN activities and timeline –AOSIS preparations –Funding for national consultations - status

International Meeting to Review Implementation of the BPOA Synthesis of priorities –Key challenges of the AIMS region mainly revolve around: –water and sanitation –waste management –energy –tourism –education –capacity building –trade –access to investment in the face of declining ODA –increased involvement of the private sector

International Meeting to Review Implementation of the BPOA Continuing challenges - sectoral –Coastal zone management –Coral reef degradation –Sea level rise and adaptation to climate change –Unplanned urbanization –Drought –Soil erosion and deforestation

International Meeting to Review Implementation of the BPOA Continuing challenges - cross-sectoral –Public awareness of sustainable development and knowledge of BPOA as a sustainable development blueprint –Integration of sustainable development principles in all aspects of national development strategies –Integrated decision making for sustainable development –Weak data collection systems to monitor progress in sustainable development –Mobilization of resources –Lack of coordination mechanisms for delivery on stated goals –Lack of regional support mechanisms and research institutions –Coherent coordinated implementation of MEAS on SD

International Meeting to Review Implementation of the BPOA Emerging issues –The security of SIDS water, food, energy, security of coast lines and threats of terrorism –Emerging diseases SARS, HIV/AIDS, vector borne diseases –Application of ICT and other innovations –Strategic planning for integrating sustainable development –Cooperation amongst tertiary institutions in SIDS –Understand vulnerability to build resilience through integrated planning –SIDS roster of experts and SIDS-SIDS cooperation –The need for an AIMS regional support mechanism –SIDS re-insurance - details of the scheme needed

International Meeting to Review Implementation of the BPOA Issues to consider –Impact of natural disasters –Biodiversity - loss, national strategies, challenges –Transportation and communication challenges –Challenges in poverty alleviation and in achieving MDG goals –Vulnerability - economic, social, environmental

International Meeting to Review Implementation of the BPOA Next steps in the preparatory process –Completion of National Assessment Reports funding arrangements –UN GA58 resolution –Inter-regional preparatory meeting - Bahamas –PrepCom - CSD 12 –International Meeting

International Meeting to Review Implementation of the BPOA Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May/JuneAug/Sep CSD11 decision on IM AOSIS mtg Bahamas Work in UN system on documentation CSD12 Prp Cm Regional PrepComs Negotn. Workshop CV national consultations Mauritius IM

International Meeting to Review Implementation of the BPOA n AOSIS Preparations should consider: n Results of expert thematic workshops n Involvement of eminent persons & independent experts - forums and roundtables n Involvement of civil society and local institutions - how to reach all levels relevant for sustainable development –Multistakeholder-dialogues - in Bahamas and Mauritius n Public outreach & media: use of SIDSNet

International Meeting to Review Implementation of the BPOA n Public awareness & media strategy under development by UN DPI n Web-Site: