• Energy Research

This paper explores environmental assessment and management practices in the Maldives with a focus on the role of the public in environmental decision-making. As one of the world's most vulnerable states, the Maldives is undergoing rapid political, economic and environmental transformation. Yet environmental impact assessments (EIAs), and environmental policy in general, take place within a framework of limited democratic representation and participation. Thus environmental assessment is reinforcing unsustainable practices through curbing debate and information on the sources and consequences of environmental threats. While historic democratic elections in 2008 opened the door for political and social change, tensions remain between state desire for rapid economic growth, and environmental vulnerability and democracy.

Abstract Recent environmental discourses and headlines on small island developing states (SIDS) have heralded the grave and impending threats of global warming and associated sea-level rise. These are undoubtedly significant challenges for SIDS, including atoll nations such as Kiribati. Nevertheless, securing small island state futures also requires a renewed commitment to addressing the obvious and immediate threats of urbanisation, pollution and sanitation. Looking at pressures of development on freshwater, this article argues that the future survival of small island states and their societies also greatly depends on managing the impacts of development. Approaches which can concurrently strengthen the resilience of communities and their ecosystems will result in mutual benefits for both sustainable development and climate change adaptation.

Though considered the 'number one beach' of the Philippines, Boracay has been through periods where it has been considered as an example of environmentally and socially unsustainable development. In response there have been a number of programmes since the late 1990s aiming to improve Boracay's sustainability. In these, significant attention has been given to the aesthetic landscape of tourism's consumption, most especially 'the beach' and associated water quality. This paper further examines the dynamic growth of coastal tourism development and sustainability practices in Boracay, inclusive of broader socio-economic and cultural change and impact. The intent is to highlight those aspects of contemporary resort growth that need greater attention by policy makers and planners. While a number of interventions have led to improvement of the 'visual' environment, the concept of environmental sustainability needs to be expanded beyond visual cleanliness and more effort is still required on social and cultural sustainability.