Marine Institute
Advancing marine science and ocean conservation through research excellence and collaborative partnerships for sustainable blue economy development.
Our Shared Ocean: Sustainable Development in SIDS
Following an open call for applications, young leaders from across Small Island Developing States (SIDS) were selected to participate in a multi-year training initiative focused on sustainable development. Over two consecutive years, the Irish Marine Institute partnered with Island Innovation to deliver specialized programmes aimed at strengthening local capacity and leadership.
The 2024 course, Best-Practice Skills for Sustainable Development in SIDS, and the 2025 course, Shaping Sustainable Leaders: Development Skills for SIDS Youth, equipped participants with practical tools in climate change adaptation, marine resource management, sustainable fisheries, and blue-economy practices.
Each year, the top 10–15 participants received fully funded travel and mobility grants to attend the Global Sustainable Islands Summit (GSIS), where they presented research, engaged in high-level discussions, and networked with policymakers and experts. Participants from the 2024 and 2025 cohorts attended GSIS events in Prince Edward Island, Canada, and St Kitts and Nevis, respectively.
This partnership not only enhanced participants' knowledge and professional development but also built long-term capacity for sustainable development in SIDS and fostered enduring networks between Irish institutions and island nations.
The Client: The Marine Institute
The Marine Institute is Ireland's national agency for marine research, technology, development, and innovation. It provides scientific and technical advice to the government to inform policy and support the sustainable development of Ireland's marine resources. Through the "Our Shared Ocean" programme, funded by Irish Aid, the Marine Institute supports research, knowledge exchange, and capacity building in partnership with SIDS. The Mobility and Travel component of this programme specifically aims to address ocean, climate, and sustainable blue economy challenges faced by SIDS, supporting the building of scientific and technical capacity and promoting long-term cooperation between Irish institutions and their counterparts in SIDS.
Shaping Sustainable Leaders
The initiative comprised two intensive training programmes developed by Island Innovation with funding from the Marine Institute. Delivered over six weeks in 2024 and seven weeks in 2025, the courses were designed to equip participants with practical skills and knowledge to address the unique sustainability challenges faced by Small Island Developing States.
Curriculum Highlights
Island Innovation leveraged its extensive network of experts to curate a comprehensive curriculum that covered critical areas such as:
Marine resource management
Climate resilience strategies
Sustainable economic development
International environmental policies and their impact on SIDS
Expert speakers included renowned marine scientists, climate policy analysts, sustainable development practitioners, and experienced policymakers.
Travel and Mobility Grants
As part of the programme, the Marine Institute provided travel and mobility grants that fund select PhD and Masters students who complete the course to attend the annual Global Sustainable Islands Summit (GSIS), where they can present their research to an audience of high-level island stakeholders. As such, Marine Institute cohorts have been present at the 2024 GSIS held in Prince Edward Island, Canada and the 2025 GSIS in St Kitts and Nevis.
This summit provides an invaluable platform for these students to engage with global experts, participate in high-level discussions, present academic posters on their research and network with decision-makers and practitioners from around the world.
International Exposure
Fully funded travel to GSIS
Research Presentation
Present to high-level stakeholders
Global Networking
Connect with experts & policymakers
Anthony Martir, PhD candidate at the University of Puerto Rico, discusses his research with Mike Eman, Prime Minister of Aruba at the 2024 GSIS
Credit: Island Innovation
Gabriel McLeod, Masters student at the University of Technology Jamaica addresses attendees during the Global Sustainable Island Summit 2024
Credit: Prince Edward Island Government
Yashy Raghoo, PhD candidate at the University of Mauritius addresses attendees during the Global Sustainable Island Summit 2024
Credit: Prince Edward Island Government
The 2025 Cohort pose for a photo at the Global Sustainable Islands Summit in St Kitts and Nevis
Credit: Island Innovation
Members of the 2025 Cohort participate in a workshop at the Island Youth Forum ahead of the 2025 GSIS
Credit: Island Innovation
Impact
The "Best-Practice Skills for Sustainable Development in SIDS" course has a significant impact on the participants and their respective communities:
Enhanced Knowledge and Skills
Participants gained a deeper understanding of sustainable development practices tailored to the unique needs of SIDS. This equipped them with the tools needed to implement effective solutions in their home countries.
Professional Development
The travel and mobility grants allowed students to broaden their horizons, gain international exposure, and build professional networks that will support their future careers.
Capacity Building
By investing in the education and training of young leaders from SIDS, the programme contributed to building local capacity to address sustainability challenges.
Long-term Collaboration
The knowledge exchange and networking opportunities facilitated by the course and the summit have laid the groundwork for ongoing collaboration between Irish institutions and their counterparts in SIDS.
Testimonials
Hear from participants who transformed their future through this programme
"The program provided a unique opportunity to learn from experts and peers about the best practices in sustainable development specific to SIDS and the support from the Marine Institute and Island Innovation has been invaluable. This experience was truly transformative and a turning point in both my personal and professional journey. The practical knowledge and international exposure I received are invaluable assets that have empowered me to drive my future endeavors to push forward sustainable development initiatives in my home country"
Shirleyna Aipa
Papua New Guinea (2024)
"Attending the Global Sustainable Island Summit expanded my understanding of international environmental policies and their impact on SIDS. It was an incredible platform for networking and learning from learning experts in the field. Being part of this cohort was an inspiring experience. The exchange of ideas and and experiences with other participants and experts has equipped me with innovative approaches to address the sustainability challenges in my country"
Zenaida Maria Navarro Martinez
Cuba (2024)
"It was my pleasure to present a poster and to be able to moderate the session on Health and Social Protection. The information I gleaned from this session was amazing. During the conference, I also met many inspiring people who have helped me to chart the path ahead. I wanted to let you know that this conference is perhaps life-changing and at this point I feel activated and ready to continue to work in climate action for my local community."
Nicole Nugent
Jamaica (2025)
"Participating in the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2025 and the Youth Forum was truly an inspiring and enriching experience. Listening to the voices of our brothers and sisters across island nations and learning from those at the forefront of the fight for climate justice, resilience, and equity was a powerful reminder of the strength and innovation within our global island community. I'm eager to stay connected and remain involved in future events, collaborations, and exchanges that Island Innovation or Our Shared Ocean leads."
Emmanuel Maldonado-González
Puerto Rico (2025)
In the Press
Continued Capacity-Building
The collaboration between the Marine Institute and Island Innovation in delivering the "Best-Practice Skills for Sustainable Development in SIDS" course exemplifies the importance of international partnerships in addressing global challenges. By investing in the education and capacity building of young leaders from SIDS, the programme not only helps to tackle immediate sustainability issues but also promotes long-term cooperation and development.
As the programme continues, it will build on the successes of this inaugural course, further strengthening the ties between Irish institutions and SIDS and contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Interested in learning more?
Get in touch with our team to learn about the programme and how you can get involved
