ABSTRACT

The 'green economy' is a form of development that addresses in a holistic way the multiple economic and environmental challenges confronting the planet. Green investment can contribute to lowering demand for energy, water and other raw materials thus reducing the carbon footprint of production of goods and services. Several, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have questioned the green economy concept and its applicability to their predicament. Instead, they recognise that the oceans have a major role to play in their future and advocated that a blue economy offers an approach to sustainable development better suited to their circumstances, constraints and challenges. Led by the presidents of Palau and Seychelles, the prime minister of Grenada and the premier of British Virgin Islands, the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA) assists islands in addressing one of the world's greatest challenges: to both conserve and utilise the invaluable natural resources that support people, cultures and livelihoods in their island homes around world.