Session Description

Session 2: Interdependencies and interactions of SDGs, Targets and Indicators in Caribbean Small Island States

Co-Chairs: Danielle Evanson, Dr. Hans-Peter Plag

This session addressed the wicked problem presented by SDGs and focus on the interconnected nature of the SDGs and the potentially large economic burden associated with progress towards the Targets, as well as the challenge that those attempting to solve the problem are to some extent causing the problem. In a transdisciplinary dialogue, the role of the ocean for the interconnected SDGs was characterized taking into account the many interdependencies between the SDGs. The session considered that most of the SDGs address the socio-economic and environmental systems based on land, and that both the human and non-human environment in SIDS is crucially dependent on the surrounding ocean. While this dependency is grossly similar it is discretly different in the different SIDS, and both the similarities and differences were elaborated on. The goal was to identify those applications and tools that are used in generating knowledge addressing the interdependencies across boundaries between SDGs, government departments and societal sectors.

In two initial presentations, the interdependencies of SDGs were discussed and a framework for the implementation of SDG 14 was presented. The next presentation provided local examples of issues that hamper preservation efforts. In the subsequent panel discussion, the panelist addressed different aspects of SDG implementation from the viewpoints of trade, GEO initiatives, international science organizations and regional NGOs. The participants then split up for a table discussion round.

The first table discussion round focused on the contribution of various stakeholders to the SDG implementation. For each table topic and topical area, the participants were asked to consider the following questions:

1. What are the major sustainability challenges in your country or area/region, and which of those relate to the ocean?
2. Which of the SDGs are of highest priority in your country or area/region, and in which way are these linked to ocean?
3. Are there specific entities in your country or area/region that are responsible for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs?
4. To what extent is your country or group engaged in monitoring and reporting the SDGs and which entities are responsible for the monitoring?
5. How are you communicating the SDGs to the general public and ensuring that they are received in a positive manner to gain community support?
6. What are the challenges in implementing SDGs in a coordinated manner and how are interdependencies between the SDGs addressed?
7. What information is needed by your country or group to develop, amend, and implement policies and action plans for the SDGs and to monitor and report on the SDGs?
8. What ocean-related national, regional and international policies and agreements is your country or group participating in?

The participants grouped into five tables with the topics:

1. Science Support for SIS Governments
2. NGO and Private Sector Contributions to SDG Implementation
3. Fisheries, Food Security, and Life Under Water: SDGs 2 Versus SDG 14
4. Blue Growth and Poverty: SDG 1 versus SDG 14
5. Education for Sustainability, Justice, and Equality.

The outcomes of the discussions were reported back to the plenary.

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