ABSTRACT
A European maritime cluster might be defined as an organization that aims to promote and enhance the strength of maritime sectors and activities. When assessing the local scenario from this European perspective, small island developing states (SIDS) are somewhat lagging behind. The island mentality makes local stakeholders introspective and lacking a view of the wider picture. SIDS are a distinct group of developing countries that face common social, economic and environmental challenges. While small islands share common characteristics, they are not homogenous and have diverse social and economic structures. SIDS need to establish specific governance and management structures for tourism, which engage with environment, culture, transport, trade and industry, and planning and development responsibilities, to enable a participatory approach and to foster meaningful partnerships between the public and private sectors and local communities. A range of Australian stakeholders have an interest, or are involved in, activities which support and compliment the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI).
