The evolving COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting global economic crisis has made it increasingly challenging to achieve economic prosperity in island nations. The UN has determined that the pandemic has led to the first rise in extreme poverty in a generation, with an additional 119-124 million people being pushed back into extreme poverty in 2020.
INNOVATING TO GENERATE INCOME IN ISLAND COMMUNITIES
The silver lining of the COVID-19 cloud has been a focus on innovative ways to generate income in island communities that balance both sustainability and economic prosperity. For example, the Smart Island Initiative is a bottom-up effort by European island authorities and communities which seek to build on the significant potential of islands to function as ideal test-beds that can host pilot projects and produce knowledge on smart and efficient resource and infrastructure management.
↪ Read James Ellsmoor’s article about Smart Islands in Forbes
ISLANDS AS DESTINATIONS FOR REMOTE WORKERS
Many islands, such as Dominica, Madeira, Barbados, Malta and Tahiti have taken advantage of the interest in the concept of remote work by offering specific programs and services catering to digital nomads. Heralded as an example of economic innovation, these programs present an alternative and more sustainable solution than traditional tourism, a sector which has been struggling since the onset of the pandemic. Islands in the African region have also demonstrated robust examples of innovation, with Mauritius achieving the highest African ranking on the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s Global Innovation Index of 2021.
Island Innovation can assist your island in either developing or promoting a remote work program. Learn more:
The Dominica’s “Work In Nature” program and how Island Innovation helped promote itThe Dominica’s “Work In Nature” program and how Island Innovation helped promote it
We can help you develop and promote a sustainable and economically viable program for your island
We invite you to join us next week for our Post-COP26 Reflections Session. We will exchange opinions and reflections about the COP26 in general and the meeting with FM Sturgeon, Youth SIDS representatives, UNFCCC Global Ambassador and Island Innovation.
Your organization can be recognized and gain global visibility for driving positive change to islands and rural communities. The Clinton Foundation and Island Innovation will select the most impactful organizations to showcase the how of their success, so other communities may benefit. Get to know the Organization Awards categories at our website: