Islands, wherever they are located in the world and whatever their size, are increasingly exposed to common external threats and share similar internal difficulties including:
· globalisation,
· climate change impacts,
· world economic fluctuations,
· need for economic diversification,
· population growth/decline and demographic imbalance,
· vulnerability of vital air and sea links,
· high oil and other raw material costs,
· growing infrastructure/service costs,
· increasing crime levels,
· shortage of key on-island resources,
· lack of inward investment.
Therefore, all organisations, whatever their island interests may be, need to be aware of latest trends and to be in a position to adopt well-researched and managed strategies at every opportunity.
In addition, by positively focusing on internal and external issues (thus minimising risk and maximising the effective use of resources), significant benefits can be derived for both public and private sector organisations within one island if they are aware of the knowledge and experience gained by similar organisations located in other island communities.
Best practice can then be identified to see whether it can be adapted to other island contexts and whether things can be learned for the benefit of all.