This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities.
Characterized by their remoteness, insularity, fragile ecosystems, lack of natural resources and high dependency on imports, high coast-to-inland ratio, and small physical and economic size, these states are particularly vulnerable to forces beyond their control – including global warming, natural hazards, shortage of fresh water, coastal threats and the vagaries of energy supplies.
UNESCO's Environment and Development in Coastal Regions and Small Islands (CSI) provides support for integrated approaches to managing and developing these unique regions with their special needs by serving as a platform for cooperation across a broad spectrum, including natural and social sciences, culture, education and communication.
International organizations, whether subregional, regional or global, must recognize the special development requirements of small island developing states and give adequate priority in the provision of assistance, particularly with respect to the development and implementation of sustainable development plans.