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ABOUT INSULA

ACTIVITIE REPORT

All around the world, at all latitudes, numerous islands and small island-states are asking questions about their future, in facing a series of shared difficulties, needs and problems. 

The most frequent problem is precisely that of isolation. Information and know-how indispensable for island progress and development are often available only on the continent or in other islands far away. Access to this information and know-how, as well as their adaptation to the specific conditions of a given island, is a process in itself fraught with difficulties and pitfalls. With a view to facilitating the exchange of information, people and experience, a whole series of international meetings grouping specialists and island people, organised over the years within the framework of MaB Programme of the UNESCO, have called for creation of an effective and independent body capable of bringing together and mobilising the skills of those who consider islands and their progress as a shared heritage. It was within such a background that INSULA - The International Scientific Council for Island Development - was created in 1989 as a non-profit making, nongovernmental international organisation. 

Who are the members of INSULA? The membership of INSULA includes researchers from a wide range of disciplines, specialists and administrators as well as institutions who have at heart the sustainable development of islands and small island states. 

What are the objectives of INSULA? The aims of INSULA are to contribute to the economic, social and cultural progress of islands throughout the world, as well as to the protection of island environment and the development of their resources. Within such a context, INSULA seeks to collaborate with any organisation at the national, regional or international level sharing the same goals and interests. 

Activities of INSULA Through its initiatives, INSULA seeks to facilitate: 

- Technical co-operation in all fields relating to sustainable island development with a special interest in island cultures and human resources development. 

- The exchange of information and experience through the publication and diffusion of periodical journals, books and reports, using the international and multidisciplinary network represented by its members.