Small Island Developing States (SIDS) - Gaps, Challenges and Constraints in Means of Implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction

Small island developing states (SIDS) are some of the world’s most disaster-prone countries. SIDS have high levels of exposure and vulnerability to hazards, such as cyclones, sea-level rise, earthquakes, tsunamis, and marine hazardous material spills. Due to their small size, remoteness, spatial isolation, and dependence on trade, SIDS are particularly vulnerable to shocks and stressors (see Section 2). This vulnerability has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disproportionately impacted SIDS’ economies. As climate-related disasters increase in frequency and intensity,4 intensifying pressures on states that are already confronted by unique social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities,5 it is necessary to address current challenges and constraints, and leverage opportunities to build resilience.