Support to the thematic programme for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), support to the Seychelles seminar

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are islands of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. They are generally small in size, relatively remote, vulnerable to environmental challenges, and offer a valuable cultural and natural heritage. The SIDS were recognized as a distinct group of developing countries in June 1992, at the UN Conference on Environment and Development. The 29th session of the World Heritage Committee (Durban, 2005) adopted the World Heritage Programme for SIDS.

The World Heritage Centre organised a sub-regional capacity building workshop for Indian Ocean Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The workshop focused on the management of World Heritage property as a lever for local sustainable development and took place 30 April to 3 May 2012, in Victoria, at the Seychelles.

Fourteen people from 5 States parties (Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros, Maldives and Madagascar) participated alongside representatives of the African World Heritage Fund, the United Nations Development Programme (UNPD) and SIDS Caribbean and Pacific. It allowed the development of the first action plan for SIDS in the Indian Ocean to mobilise partners and funds and provide a framework for a programme of activities.

The France-UNESCO Cooperation Agreement provided support to the project by contributing matching funds to cover the mission costs of one participant.