Lecture

Organizers:

Date:

May 02, 2024

Time:

6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Fee:

FREE Entrance

Location:

Aula, University of Aruba

Nature’s Investment Bank: How marine parks can contribute to society and the economy

Lecture

Unique traits that set small islands apart

Small islands have unique traits that set them apart in several ways. They face various pressures from different threats, despite their small size. Island ecosystems, though limited in space, are incredibly productive compared to larger landmasses, which highlights their importance globally. Because of their smaller size and interactions, island societies need quick and effective responses to these pressures and their impacts. They are also especially vulnerable to natural disasters, affecting large parts of their populations. Overuse is another problem for islands, worsened by the lack of neighboring areas to help restore ecosystems. Small island economies differ significantly from mainland ones, being more vulnerable and unstable. Nature, people, and the economy are closely connected on islands, with social bonds playing a crucial role in holding communities together. Overall, the uniqueness of small islands stems from these various factors, requiring tailored measures and policies rather than direct imitation of mainland strategies. Pieter will explain these unique characteristics of small islands and illustrate these differences examples from islands around the world.

Speaker:

Pieter van Beukering is a scientist specializing in environmental economics, gathering three decades of valuable expertise in research and teaching. His great passion is small island economies and their interaction with nature. Pieter worked in more than 30 islands around the world focusing on pressing issues such as waste management, nature conservation, sustainable tourism and clean energy. He is an engaged teacher within and outside his university, including the university of Aruba. As a member of the Dutch Wadden Academy, Pieter studies the Wadden Islands that have similar challenges than the islands in the Dutch Caribbean.
https://research.vu.nl/en/persons/pieter-van-beukering

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