Island jurisdictions are often viewed as vulnerable, poverty-stricken, and destitute, but research shows many of these islands are better described as innovative and entrepreneurial. This three-year project, funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSRHCC), brings together six representatives of small island states (Iceland, New Zealand, Mauritius, Palau, Cyprus, St. Lucia, and Grenada) and six representatives from non-sovereign, subnational island jurisdictions (Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, La Réunion, Lesbos, Guam, and Tobago). These groups will compare experiences, to see whether statehood is a boon or hindrance when implementing sustainable practices in social-political, cultural-artistic, economic, and environmental areas. The presentation is a report on findings to date, featuring Principal Investigator Dr. Jim Randall (UNESCO Chair in Island Studies and Sustainability, University of Prince Edward Island), Dr. John Telesford (T. A. Marryshow Community College; lead researcher for Grenada), Dr. Preeya Mohan (University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus; lead researcher for Tobago), Dr. Mark Stoddart (Memorial University of Newfoundland; lead researcher for Newfoundland and Labrador), and Dr. Gerard Prinsen (Massey University, New Zealand; project methodology researcher). The session will be chaired by Dr. Laurie Brinklow (Institute of Island Studies, UPEI; lead researcher for Prince Edward Island).
Gerard Prinsen
Sr. Lecturer, Massey University New Zealand
