Establishing regional centres for support to small island states

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities. Agenda 21 recommends that centres for the development and diffusion of scientific information and advice on technical means and technology appropriate to small island developing states, especially with reference to the management of the coastal zone, the exclusive economic zone and marine resources, should be established or strengthened, as appropriate, on a regional basis.

B7 is the organization representing the seven islands of the Baltic Sea: Bornholm (Denmark), Gotland and Öland (Sweden), Åland (Finland), Hiiumaa and Saareaa (Estonia) and Rügen (Germany). The islands' 250,000 residents face similar problems: limited transport and natural resources, lack of investment, unemployment, a continual brain drain and poor education. The organization also has a representative office to the European Union in Brussels.