Small Island Developing States (SIDS) depend heavily on the ocean for their livelihoods, economies and climate resilience. Yet they face stark and growing inequities in how ocean resources are accessed, governed and financed. A new briefing paper from ODI Global’s Resilient and Sustainable Islands Initiative (RESI) calls for bold action to place equity at the heart of the international oceans agenda – and ensure SIDS can thrive as stewards of the sea.
Despite their size, SIDS are ocean giants — custodians of vast Exclusive Economic Zones and biodiversity-rich waters. But when it comes to reaping the benefits of the blue economy, they face barriers to fully participating in and benefiting from marine innovation and investment. Countries with greater financial and technical capacity are typically better positioned to access these opportunities, while SIDS remain particularly vulnerable to ocean-related risks such as pollution, overexploitation and climate change.