Case Studies
Best-Practice Skills for Sustainable Development in SIDS
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face unique challenges in achieving sustainable development, particularly in the context of climate change, marine resource management, and economic development. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes capacity building, knowledge exchange, and international collaboration. The Irish Marine Institute, recognizing these needs, partnered with Island Innovation to create a specialized training programme aimed at empowering young leaders from SIDS with the skills and knowledge needed to drive sustainable development in their regions.
The Client: The Marine Institute
The Marine Institute is Ireland’s national agency for marine research, technology, development, and innovation. It provides scientific and technical advice to the government to inform policy and support the sustainable development of Ireland’s marine resources. Through the “Our Shared Ocean” programme, funded by Irish Aid, the Marine Institute supports research, knowledge exchange, and capacity building in partnership with SIDS. The Mobility and Travel component of this programme specifically aims to address ocean, climate, and sustainable blue economy challenges faced by SIDS, supporting the building of scientific and technical capacity and promoting long-term cooperation between Irish institutions and their counterparts in SIDS.
Best-Practice Skills for Sustainable Development in SIDS
The “Best-Practice Skills for Sustainable Development in SIDS” course was a six-week intensive programme designed by Island Innovation and funded by the Marine Institute. This course was tailored to provide participants with practical skills and knowledge to tackle sustainability challenges specific to SIDS.

Island Innovation leveraged its extensive network of experts to curate a comprehensive curriculum that covered critical areas such as:
- Marine resource management
- Climate resilience strategies
- Sustainable economic development
- International environmental policies and their impact on SIDS
Expert speakers included renowned marine scientists, climate policy analysts, sustainable development practitioners, and experienced policymakers.
Travel and Mobility Grants
As part of the programme, the Marine Institute provided travel and mobility grants that funded seven PhD and Masters students, coming from Trinidad & Tobago, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Jamaica, Mauritius and Papua New Guinea, to attend the Global Sustainable Island Summit held in Prince Edward Island, Canada. This summit provided an invaluable platform for these students to engage with global experts, participate in high-level discussions, present academic posters on their research and network with stakeholders from around the world.
Marine Institute grantees alongside members of Island Innovation and the University of Prince Edward Island; Credit: Island Innovation.
Anthony Martir, PhD candidate at the University of Puerto Rico, discusses his research with Mike Eman, Former Prime Minister of Aruba at the Global Sustainable Island Summit 2024; Credit: Island Innovation.
Gabriel McLeod, Masters student at the University of Technology Jamaica addresses attendees during the Global Sustainable Island Summit 2024; Credit: Prince Edward Island Government.
Yashy Raghoo, PhD candidate at the University of Mauritius addresses attendees during the Global Sustainable Island Summit 2024; Credit: Prince Edward Island Government.
Impact
The "Best-Practice Skills for Sustainable Development in SIDS" course made a significant impact on the participants and their respective communities:
- Enhanced Knowledge and Skills
Participants gained a deeper understanding of sustainable development practices tailored to the unique needs of SIDS. This equipped them with the tools needed to implement effective solutions in their home countries.
- Professional Development
The travel and mobility grants allowed students to broaden their horizons, gain international exposure, and build professional networks that will support their future careers.
- Capacity Building
By investing in the education and training of young leaders from SIDS, the programme contributed to building local capacity to address sustainability challenges.
- Long-term Collaboration
The knowledge exchange and networking opportunities facilitated by the course and the summit have laid the groundwork for ongoing collaboration between Irish institutions and their counterparts in SIDS.
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Continued Capacity-Building
The collaboration between the Marine Institute and Island Innovation in delivering the “Best-Practice Skills for Sustainable Development in SIDS” course exemplifies the importance of international partnerships in addressing global challenges. By investing in the education and capacity building of young leaders from SIDS, the programme not only helps to tackle immediate sustainability issues but also promotes long-term cooperation and development.
As the programme continues, it will build on the successes of this inaugural course, further strengthening the ties between Irish institutions and SIDS and contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Press
Interested in learning more about the programme and how you can get involved? Contact us today!