ENV 1102: The Problem of Insularity
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Questions and Answers

What was the gross enrolment rate in higher education in SIDS in 2022?

  • 29% (correct)
  • 20%
  • 42%
  • 57%

Which factor contributes to the limited access to higher education in SIDS?

  • Abundant resources
  • Geographic isolation (correct)
  • Large populations
  • High average income

What percentage of the working age population in SIDS was employed in 2023?

  • 60%
  • 57% (correct)
  • 31.9%
  • 63.3%

What describes the term 'insularity'?

<p>Territories separated from a mainland by water with limited extent (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a major challenge faced by SIDS related to their natural environment?

<p>Greater sensitivity to natural disasters (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What issue is primarily caused by climate change and impacts the fresh water supply in SIDS?

<p>Degradation of water quality (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Small Island Developing States (SIDS)?

<p>Large populations relative to mainland countries (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are SIDS considered vulnerable?

<p>They face unique social, economic, and environmental challenges (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the youth unemployment rate in Guyana during the third quarter of 2021?

<p>31.9% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do SIDS typically address global issues?

<p>Through traditional knowledge and innovative practices (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the real GDP growth rate for the entire economy of Guyana in 2022?

<p>63.3% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated percentage of the world population that SIDS constitute?

<p>0.8% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a cross-cutting challenge faced by SIDS?

<p>Data limitations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates SIDS from other developing countries?

<p>SIDS face unique development challenges due to size and isolation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of all islands that relate to the concept of insularity?

<p>Rich and vulnerable natural and cultural environment (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the geographical distribution of SIDS?

<p>A heterogeneous group spread across the world (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What year was the Mauritius Strategy for Small Island Developing States adopted?

<p>2005 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which event is associated with the first recognition of Small Island Developing States?

<p>UN Conference on Environment and Development (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenge is NOT typically faced by Small Island Developing States?

<p>Large domestic markets (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which year did the UN General Assembly designate 2014 as the International Year of SIDS?

<p>2012 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does BPOA stand for in the context of SIDS?

<p>Barbados Programme of Action (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of Small Island Developing States?

<p>High costs for infrastructure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the Government's initiatives regarding the economy?

<p>Diversify the economy toward value-added industries and services (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sector primarily fueled the growth in foreign direct investment (FDI) in Guyana?

<p>Oil and gas (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The SAMOA Pathway was adopted during which conference?

<p>International Conference of SIDS (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Guyana's population resides in the coastal zone?

<p>90% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym SIDS stand for?

<p>Small Island Developing States (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of the diminishing mangrove population along the coast of Guyana?

<p>Decreased natural defenses against wave action and erosion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following industries does the Guyana Government encourage for foreign direct investment?

<p>Agriculture (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much did Guyana's FDI increase in the first half of 2020?

<p>$8.3 million (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What natural hazards is Guyana most at risk of?

<p>Floods and droughts (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What environmental issue is exacerbated by the impacts of La Niña events in Guyana?

<p>More severe floods (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of AOSIS?

<p>To represent the interests of small island and low-lying coastal developing states. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the listed options represents the threat of flooding?

<p>63.64% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors contributed to flooding in Guyana in June?

<p>High tides (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which initiative aims to develop a sustainable energy economy for small island developing states?

<p>SIDS DOCK (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The SAMOA Pathway aims to address what major issues for SIDS?

<p>Economic growth and climate change (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of technology leapfrogging in the context of SIDS?

<p>It enables islands to adopt innovative technologies quickly, overcoming geographic isolation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which coastal ecosystems are mentioned as present in the Caribbean SIDS region?

<p>Coral reefs, sea grasses, and mangroves (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a measure to build community resilience to climate change in SIDS?

<p>Improving approaches to marine and coastal zone planning and management. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the approximate area covered by the Caribbean SIDS region?

<p>2 million km² (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does fostering sustainable consumption and production patterns entail for SIDS?

<p>Promoting practices that support environmental sustainability. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding Guyana’s response to flooding in June?

<p>The President highlighted the destruction of homes and farms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a misunderstanding of the Blue Economy concept in SIDS?

<p>It focuses strictly on fishing as the main economic activity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In terms of freshwater supply variability, which country is highlighted as one of the most arid?

<p>Barbados (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which organization provides technical expertise and access to carbon markets for SIDS?

<p>SIDS DOCK (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of AOSIS's approach helps them negotiate significant global commitments?

<p>Their representation of vulnerable voices at international platforms. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of defense mechanisms are threatened by sea level rise?

<p>Dikes and levees (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Insularity

Territories separated from a mainland by water, limited in size and population compared to a mainland.

Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

A group of 39 states and 18 associate members of UN regional commissions with unique developmental vulnerabilities.

SIDS characteristics

SIDS have small populations, face similar development challenges, are culturally unique, and vulnerable to shocks due to their size and isolation.

SIDS vulnerabilities

SIDS face unique social, economic, and environmental risks due to their small size, remoteness and isolation, especially when facing outside shocks.

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SIDS global issues

SIDS are at the forefront of addressing global issues due to ingenuity, innovation, and use of traditional knowledge.

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SIDS biological uniqueness

SIDS have unique biodiversity and high levels of endemism (species found nowhere else).

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SIDS economic vulnerability

SIDS economies are more vulnerable due to their small size and relative isolation.

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SIDS heterogeneity

SIDS are a diverse group of countries with varying population sizes, natural resources, and development levels.

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Mauritius Strategy

A plan of action adopted to guide the sustainable development of Small Island Developing States.

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SAMOA Pathway

The 2014 plan of action that followed the Mauritius Strategy, further addressing SIDS challenges.

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International Year of SIDS

A designated year (2014) by the UN General Assembly focused on recognizing and addressing the issues of SIDS.

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Limited Resource Base

Lack of significant resources in SIDS, restricting the benefits of economies of scale in sustainable development.

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High Costs (energy, infrastructure)

SIDS frequently face high costs related to energy, infrastructure, transportation, and communication, in relation to their size.

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Small Domestic Markets

SIDS have limited domestic markets, increasing their reliance on external and distant markets.

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AOSIS

A group representing 39 small island and low-lying coastal developing states advocating for their interests in international climate change and sustainable development negotiations.

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SIDS Action Platform

A plan outlining actions to address the unique development challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

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CARICOM-CSME

A regional organization that promotes economic integration and cooperation among Caribbean countries.

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Caribbean Development Bank

A financial institution that provides loans, grants, and technical assistance to Caribbean countries.

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SIDS DOCK

A program designed to help Small Island Developing States (SIDS) transition to a sustainable energy economy.

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Economic diversification of SIDS

Creating new economic activities beyond traditional sectors to reduce reliance on a limited number of resources.

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Technology Leapfrogging in SIDS

Adopting advanced technologies to quickly overcome common challenges, such as isolation and limited resources.

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Building Community Resilience in SIDS

Strengthening communities to cope with climate change and other risks by raising awareness and preparedness.

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Guyana's Economic Diversification

Guyana is shifting its economy away from primary commodities like gold and bauxite towards more value-added industries and services.

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Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Guyana

The Guyanese government actively encourages FDI and offers tax incentives for priority projects through the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-INVEST).

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Guyana's Coastal Zone

The coastal region is home to the majority of Guyana's population and agriculture, but faces threats from rising sea levels and erosion.

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Mangroves and Coastal Protection

The diminishing mangrove population weakens the coastline's natural defenses against erosion and flooding.

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Guyana's Vulnerability to Natural Disasters

Guyana is particularly susceptible to floods and droughts, with many recent floods influenced by La Niña events.

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What triggers floods in Guyana?

Flooding in Guyana is often linked to La Niña events.

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What is GO-INVEST?

GO-INVEST is the Guyana Office for Investment, promoting foreign direct investment and offering tax incentives for priority projects.

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What industries are attracting FDI in Guyana?

Oil and gas, agriculture, construction, wholesale and retail, health, transportation, and agro-processing are attracting foreign investment in Guyana.

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Sea level rise impact

Rising sea levels threaten coastal areas with flooding, saltwater intrusion into water sources, and overtopping of existing defenses.

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Guyana's flood risk

Guyana's low-lying coastline, with areas below sea level, makes it highly vulnerable to flooding. This risk is heightened by factors such as torrential rains and overflowing rivers.

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SIDS and hurricanes

Many Caribbean SIDS are located within a tropical hurricane belt, which makes them susceptible to damaging storms.

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SIDS coastal ecosystems

SIDS coastal ecosystems are diverse, including mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs, which contribute to the island's biodiversity and ecological balance.

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SIDS terrestrial ecosystems

SIDS terrestrial ecosystems are characterized by unique plant and animal life, with high levels of endemism.

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SIDS freshwater scarcity

SIDS experience freshwater scarcity due to limited rainfall and small land areas. Some islands like Barbados face severe aridity.

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SIDS interconnected systems

SIDS are characterized by interconnected systems that involve human society, nature, and the economy, and their challenges cannot be addressed in isolation.

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Higher Education in SIDS

Access to higher education in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is limited due to factors such as limited resources, small populations, and geographic isolation. This impacts the development of skilled workforces.

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SIDS Employment Rate

The employment rate in SIDS has hovered around 60% over the past three decades, slightly below the global average. This rate signifies the overall participation of the working-age population in the workforce.

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SIDS Sensitivity to Disasters

SIDS are disproportionately susceptible to natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides due to their geographic location and limited resources.

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Freshwater Shortages in SIDS

Many SIDS experience growing freshwater shortages, poor water quality due to pollution, and limited waste management capacity. Climate change further exacerbates these issues.

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Climate Change Impacts on SIDS

SIDS are highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, particularly sea-level rise, which poses significant threats to their environment and infrastructure.

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SIDS Data Challenges

Data availability and management are major challenges for SIDS. Limited resources and infrastructure hinder data collection, analysis, and utilization.

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Institutional Capacity in SIDS

Developing adequate institutional capacity is a key concern for SIDS. They frequently face limitations in resources, expertise, and infrastructure.

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Guyana's Economic Growth

Guyana experienced a significant Real GDP growth rate of 63.3% in 2022. However, the country faces high youth unemployment, reaching 31.9% in the third quarter of 2021.

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Study Notes

Course Information

  • Course Name: Environment and Development in Guyana & the Caribbean
  • Course Number: ENV 1102
  • Topic: The Problem of Insularity
  • Instructor: Ms. Donessa David
  • University: University of Guyana

Presentation Outline

  • Definition of Insularity
  • Introduction to Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
    • Characteristics and emerging issues of SIDS
  • National Context (Guyana)
    • Guyana Statistics (Land area, population, unemployment rate, exports, imports, GDP growth, minimum wage)
  • SIDS in the Caribbean
  • Advancing Action in SIDS
    • The Samoa Pathway
    • Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)
    • SIDS Action Platform
    • CARICOM-CSME
    • Caribbean Development Bank
    • SIDS DOCK

What is Insularity?

  • Insularity designates territories separated from a mainland by water, with limited extent and population compared to the mainland.
  • Common characteristics of islands include small size, remoteness, isolation, unique identity, and rich but vulnerable natural and cultural environments.

What are Small Island Developing States (SIDS)?

  • SIDS are a group of 39 states and 18 associate members of United Nations regional commissions.
  • They face unique social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities.
  • SIDS comprise less than 0.8% of the world's total population.
  • They share similar development challenges.

Characteristics of SIDS

  • Small population, land area, and/or GDP
  • Lack of effective and efficient transport
  • Environmental vulnerability and fragile ecosystems
  • Dependence on foreign economies
  • Need for greater flexibility to adapt to global changes
  • Narrow resource base, economies of scale
  • Small domestic markets, heavy dependence on few external/remote markets
  • High costs for energy, infrastructure, transportation, and communication
  • High exposure to natural disasters, climate change, and global economic shocks

Challenges Faced by SIDS

Socioeconomic Issues

  • Slow and volatile economic growth
  • Economic openness (vulnerable to external economic conditions)
  • Lack of economic diversification
  • Dependence on a limited range of products/sectors
  • High production and trading costs
  • Limited overseas development aid
  • Small, dispersed populations (limited domestic markets, high costs)

Human Capital

  • Population demographics (youth population, aging population)
  • Labour markets (migration, skill attrition, wage differentials)
  • Persistent health crises (climate crisis, health-harming imports, premature deaths from specific diseases)
  • Underlying constraints in capacity and resources.
    • Education (access to pre-primary, primary, and secondary education, limited higher education)
    • Employment (unemployment, low participation rate)

The Natural Environment

  • Greater sensitivity to natural disasters (earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides)
  • Intensification of extreme events
  • Limited fresh water supply
  • High vulnerability to environmental risks
  • Disproportionate impacts of climate change, sea level rise
  • Loss and damage from natural disasters (cumulative costs and percentage of GDP)
  • Freshwater availability (estimates in m³/person/year)

Cross-Cutting

  • Limited institutional capacity
  • Limited means of implementation
  • Limited technology capacity
  • Limited financial resources

National and Regional Context: Guyana

  • Land area: 214,969 km²
  • Population: 746,955 (2012 Census)
  • Youth Unemployment: 31.9% (3rd Quarter 2021)
  • Exports (FOB): US$13.2bn (2023 Provisional)
  • Imports (CIF): US$6.6bn (2023 Provisional)
  • Real GDP Growth Rate: 63.3% (2022)
  • Minimum Wage (Public Sector): G$86,150 (2023)

Dependence on Foreign Economies and Investments

  • Diversification of the economy is underway
  • Foreign direct investment (FDI) is encouraged
  • Guyana offers investment opportunities in various sectors such as agriculture, oil and gas, construction, wholesale, retail, health, transportation, and agro-processing.
  • Notable recent FDI increases

The Coastal Zone

  • The coast is the administrative and agricultural center of Guyana
  • Over 90% of Guyana's population lives in the coastal zone
  • Approximately 7 percent of Guyana's area
  • Sea level rises are concerning
  • Coastal defences are diminishing

Prone to Natural Disasters

  • Guyana is at risk from floods and droughts.
  • Flooding
  • Recent floods were due to La Niña weather events
  • High tides and torrential rains
  • Significant loss of livelihood and property destruction

Guyana: Floods 2021

  • Media reports describe severe flooding that has resulted in:
    • 15,000 people affected
    • Evacuations
    • 6,000 people affected in multiple communities by flooding
    • Significant damage to homes, farms, and livelihoods across the country

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Lecture 3 Notes The Problem of Insularity PDF

Description

Explore the concept of insularity and its implications for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), particularly in the Caribbean context. Examine statistics and national context of Guyana and understand the importance of advancing action through various platforms and alliances. This quiz will test your knowledge on these critical issues related to environment and development.

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