Small Island Developing States : Using the MSI for Strategic Sustainable Development

Abstract: This report is aimed at exploring what a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) would need to do in order to strategically use the Mauritius Strategy (MSI) to move their country towards sustainability as defined by the four principles of sustainability. Interviews were conducted with users and experts on the MSI representing various sectors such as governments, intergovernmental organisations and non-governmental organisations. These interviews were combined with document content analysis of key texts in order to identify strengths and necessary improvements of the MSI. A potential "ideal use" of the MSI was created by combining its current strengths and the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development. This was then compared with the current reality of MSI usage, and gaps between the two were identified. Recommendations were given based on these gaps and on the improvements pointed out in the interviews in order to form a process through which a SIDS government could use the MSI to reach full sustainability.