Skip navigation
A small, tropical island in Kuna Yala, Panama, featuring a dense grove of tall palm trees and a few thatched huts along the shoreline. The island is surrounded by clear, turquoise waters and a bright, blue sky with scattered clouds.
Event

Unlocking multifunctional solutions: building climate resilience and sustainable blue economies

How can multifunctional infrastructure be used by islands and low-lying states, including SIDS? This side event to the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States delves into the potential of multifunctional solutions as a tool for climate adaptation and to foster a sustainable blue economy.

28 May 2024 at 14:00 AST

ending at 15:30 AST

Multifunctionality, the practice of utilizing the same space or infrastructure for various purposes, is at the heart of this discussion where we explore green, grey, blue, and hybrid solutions. It is clear that a comprehensive approach is needed at a time when coastal and island nations face a range of challenges. Not only must they grapple with limited space for crucial utilities such as water, food, and electricity, but existing infrastructure is increasingly exposed to environmental and demographic shifts.

To strengthen their resilience and sustainability, vulnerable regions can opt for solutions that combine social equity with biodiversity and environmental considerations in coastal and marine spaces. The session will highlight how a multifunctional approach, with synergies between man-made infrastructures and nature-based solutions, can chart a path towards climate-resilient development for island nations. 

Join the side event at SIDS4

If you are attending the SIDS4 conference, do not miss this chance to learn more about the potential of multifunctional solutions.

When: Tuesday 28 May 14.00-15.30 (AST)

Where: Room 6, American University of Antigua, Jabberwock Road, St John’s.

The 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States will be held from 27 to 30 May 2024 with the theme “Charting the course toward resilient prosperity”.

Learn more about the conference

Speakers

Pedro Zuccarini, Director of the Planning Department, Dominican Institute of Integral Development (IDDI).

Jerry Enoe, Advisor – Blue Economy, Chairman – National Ocean and Coastal Governance Committee, Ministry of Economic Development, Planning, Agriculture and Lands, Forestry, Marine Resources and Cooperatives, Government of Grenada.

Salome Taufa, Programme Adviser (Resource Economist) and Team Leader for the Fisheries at the Pacific Islands Secretariat, International Science Council.

Arpana Pratap, Director Blue Economy, Pacific Islands Development Forum.

Cerin Kizhakkethottam, Programme Management Officer Climate Change and Urban Environment, Programme Development Branch Global Solutions Division, UN Habitat, Nairobi.

Andreas von Uexküll, Ambassador and Deputy Head of Authority Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vice-Chairman of UN Women’s Board.

Moderator: Karina Barquet, SEI

Organizers

Lead organization: SEI

Organizing partners:

  • Dominican Institute of Integral Development (IDDI)
  • International Science Council (ISC)
  • Ministry of Economic Development, Planning, Agriculture and Lands, Forestry, Marine Resources and Cooperatives of Grenada,
  • Pacific Islands Development Forum
  • Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
  • UN Habitat
  • Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs

SEI participant

Karina Barquet
Karina Barquet

Team Leader: Water, Coasts and Ocean; Senior Research Fellow

SEI Headquarters