Marine Institute

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face unique challenges in achieving sustainable development due to factors like climate change, marine resource management, and economic constraints. To address these issues, the Irish Marine Institute partnered with Island Innovation to create a specialized training programme that empowers young leaders from SIDS with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive positive change in their communities.

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.

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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. 

Impact

The "Best-Practice Skills for Sustainable Development in SIDS" course made a significant impact on the participants and their respective communities:

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.

The travel and mobility grants allowed students to broaden their horizons, gain international exposure, and build professional networks that will support their future careers.

By investing in the education and training of young leaders from SIDS, the programme contributed to building local capacity to address sustainability challenges.

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.

Why did you want to participate in the CCJLA?

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.

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Interested in learning more about the programme and how you can get involved? Contact us today!

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Island Innovation

Sustainable economic development consultancy for islands

Island Innovation Services

Sustainable solutions for thriving island economies

We specialize in advancing sustainable economic development strategies tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of island regions worldwide. Our consultancy services help governments, organizations, and communities balance economic growth with environmental resilience and social well-being. Through our extensive island-focused network, strategic partnerships, and innovative approaches, we deliver targeted solutions.

We design and deliver transformative learning experiences that build local capabilities, and unlock economic opportunities through skill development and network building. Our approach emphasizes practical, participatory methodologies that empower stakeholders to drive their own development.
Key Services:
  • Interactive workshop design and facilitation
  • Customized training programs and knowledge transfer initiatives
  • Innovation laboratories and accelerators
  • Stakeholder catalyst events and co-creation sessions
Our consulting services help islands balance economic growth with environmental and climate needs. We support clients from strategy development through implementation, ensuring practical and sustainable outcomes for island communities.
Key Services:
  • Sustainable economic development strategy formulation
  • Access to funding opportunities and grant applications
  • Impact investment opportunity identification and analysis
  • Project implementation support and management
  • Environmental and social impact evaluation
We develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies that amplify impact and engage stakeholders. Our approach combines traditional and digital channels to reach diverse audiences effectively, highlighting economic potential and investment opportunities to drive regional prosperity.
Key Services:
  • Communication strategy development
  • Content creation and dissemination
  • Digital platform management
  • Strategic framework development
  • Stakeholder engagement campaigns
  • PR & media relations
We facilitate productive relationships between stakeholders and help navigate complex policy landscapes. Our work supports effective dialogue and collaboration between public and private sectors, including applications to government tenders through consortia.
Key Services:
  • Institutional relationship building
  • Public-private partnership facilitation
  • Media relations management
  • Strategic event planning
  • Government relations support
Working closely with our academic partners, we provide evidence-based insights and recommendations to inform decision-making and policy development for island regions.
Key Services:
  • Diagnostic needs assessments and feasibility studies
  • Baseline evaluations and performance analytics
  • Dashboard development and stakeholder mapping
  • Research synthesis and reporting
  • Evidence-based policy recommendations
We transform gatherings into catalysts for sustainable development through collaboration and inspiration. With extensive expertise in producing, managing, and promoting diverse event formats—including in-person, virtual, and hybrid events—we create memorable experiences that convene key stakeholders.
Key Services:
  • Strategic event design and concept development
  • In-person, virtual, and hybrid event production
  • Speaker and participant curation
  • Stakeholder engagement and audience building
  • Event facilitation and moderation
  • Post-event reporting and impact assessment
  • Event promotion and media coverage coordination

We are a strategic consultancy which offers unique insights into sustainable development for islands

We are pioneers in unlocking the potential of islands worldwide, by offering insights and expertise in sustainable development. Our approach considers the interplay between environmental preservation, economic growth, and social empowerment, tailored specifically for the challenges and opportunities presented by island ecosystems.

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Island Innovation offers a range of consultancy services, including island development strategies, impact program design and coordination, event organization, strategic communications, public and media relations, and government affairs.

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