Environmental vulnerability and economic resilience building : the case of the republic of the Marshall Islands

Abstract

This chapter deals with the interconnection between environmental vulnerability and economic resilience. It is well known that the economies of many SIDS rely heavily on the environment, and therefore the mismanagement of environmental resources often has major economic repercussions. The chapter discusses the vulnerabilities which are mostly associated with water, energy sources, waste generation and fisheries. These vulnerabilities can to an extent be managed so as to reap economic benefits, thereby strengthening the economic resilience of SIDS. The chapter also suggests some potential solutions, mostly based on innovative approaches, chosen as examples as to how interlinkages can be maximised, which, apart from promoting an efficient use of environmental resources, also generate positive spill over effects on the economy. Most of the discussion will relate to the situation in the Marshall Islands.