Experts meeting on climate change education for sustainable development and adaptation in small island developing states (SIDS)

This three-day international expert meeting focuses on the challenges that climate change poses to education systems in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). SIDS are among the most vulnerable countries with regard to climate change and are already confronted with its effects, including rising sea levels and changes in climate extremes such as droughts, floods, and tropical cyclones/hurricanes. The meeting will develop a road map guiding and promoting education as an important means to enhance adaptation to climate change, in the context of sustainable development. The road map and its recommendations will serve as a contribution to the upcoming 17th Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC in December 2011 and the Rio+20 Conference in June 2012 as well as the End-of-Decade Conference of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development in 2014.

As recognized in the Barbados Plan of Action, Small Island Developing States are particularly vulnerable to global climate change, climate variability and sea-level rise. Indeed, the issues of climate change and sea-level rise wre major driving force leading to the convening of the Barbados Conference in April-May 1994. with populations, agricultural lands and infrastructures tending to be concentrated in the coastal zone, any rise in sea-level will have significant and profound effects on settlements, living conditions and island economies. The very survival of certain low-lying countries is threatened.

Since the Barbados Conference, the mechanisms by which SIDS will be affected by climate change has been further elucidated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Countries such as the Maldives have drawn up plans for adapting to sea-level rise, including measures related to coastal protection, and have enumerated needs in terms of resources, training and financial support. The Johannesburg Summit has emphasized the importance of mobilizing adequate resources and partnerships for the adaptation needs of SIDS, consistent with commitments under the UN Framwork Convention on Climate Change.