SIDS: Small Island Developing States

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are a distinct group of countries in the Carribbean, Pacific and AIMS region that share similar sustainable development challenges. SIDS are located among the most vulnerable regions in the world in relation to the intensity and frequency of natural and environmental disasters and their increasing impact, and face disproportionately high economic, social and environmental consequences. A selection of the outputs produced within this region by the phase 2 projects, are available on the WDPP online repository linked below.

SIDS Outputs

In SIDS, the Water and Development Partnership Program (phase 2) supports 2 projects, with grants of approximately 2.3 Million Euros.

Small Island Developing States Fellowship Programme
The objective of the project is to strengthen the capacity of water professionals and decision-makers in order to improve water management in SIDS and better address future challenges such as climate change. This is done by awarding multiple fellowships for one of the MSc programmes at IHE delft, after which the students are expected to return home and apply their new competencies for the benefit of their country. Furthermore, professionals will participate in one of the short regional courses to address sustainability challenges for SIDS, and regional courses are arranged with regional organizations. At the end of the project, a community of practice among SIDS water professionals should support improved water management at SIDS.
Supporting capacity developing in Small Island Developing States
This project aims to increase capacity of water professionals in SIDS to meet water-specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It furthermore works on building a stronger connection between research and education and improving institutional capacities and activities of communities of practice in the SIDS region. The core activity is the training of mid- and senior level professionals at IHE Delft, which includes a number of workshops tailored to the specific region of SIDS to ensure relevance while simultaneously building and consolidating a Community of Practice (CoP). Additionally, workshops are organized in one of each of the SIDS regions: Carribbean, Pacific and AIMS, and Open Course Ware and on-line educational materials will be developed and made available on the IHE website to increase access to relevant knowledge that can support the achievement of SDGs for SIDS.

Learn more about this project by reaching out to Assela Pathirana ([email protected]).
SIDS MOOC
The SIDS Programme has also created a massive online open course (MOOC) called: "SIDS: Integrated Management of Small Island Water and Marine Resources". This course aims to empower professionals, researchers, and community leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop effective strategies for sustainable water management. It was co-created as a collaborative effort between IHE Delft staff and our SIDS alumni.

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) appear on the map as little dots of green in vast stretches of blue. In popular culture, they take turns appearing as idyllic holiday destinations... and as tiny landmasses always on the verge of drowning under rising sea level. Just how exposed are these island nations to climate change effects? What makes them extra vulnerable? How are they dealing with this threat? We speak to IHE Delft's Erik de Ruiter van Steveninck.

SIDS: Small Island Developing States

Almost paradise – but with smelly water: life on Mulah island, Maldives

Finding the right balance: Sustainable growth in SIDS

Building capacity in Small Islands Developing States (SIDS)

Community-led action boosts water security on Maldivian outer islands

Small islands in big oceans