International Island Conference

The Highland Council Chambers, Inverness 25 September 2009



Orkney and Skye Field Trips 
26 September 2009

Sustainable Islands-Towards a Low Carbon Economy explored the impact small islands are likely to experience when faced with increased variability of weather and rising sea levels, associated with climate change.

The two-day event, including linked Field Trips to Orkney and Skye, was organised by CIFAL Findhorn in association with Highland Council, United Nations Institute of Training and Research, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, UHI Millennium Institute, Community Energy Scotland and Forestry Commission Scotland.

Facilitated by award-winning Scottish journalist and broadcaster Lesley Riddoch. the conference brought together national and international experts in their field, and highlighted how island communities throughout the world are successfully making the transition to low carbon economies.

Soren Hermansen, from the Danish Island of Samso, during his energetic speech.	Bertil Klintbom, Municipality of Gotland, is interviewed by STV.

John Swinney, MSP and Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, commended the strategic aspirations outlined at the conference. “This conference is a helpful reminder ahead of the crucial UN talks in Copenhagen of the pressing threat from climate change to island communities in Scotland and across the world. It also highlights the fact that the move to a low carbon economy represents a unique opportunity for sustainable economic growth, an opportunity upon which Scotland is well placed to capitalize. In bringing together a broad range of voices to share Scotland’s experience, we also hope to learn valuable lessons from sustainable island communities elsewhere.”

With presentations by HIE chairman William Roe, Councillor Sandy Park Convenor of Highland Council and representatives of Orkney, Shetland and Eigg, Sustainable Islands conference addressed the major challenges and opportunities facing the Highlands and Islands.

Highland Council Convener, Sandy Park said “The Council is delighted to host this important international conference. Highland Council takes climate change very seriously. It has set out a number of climate change targets and has signed Scotland’s Climate Change Declaration. The Council is currently working on an Adaptation Strategy for the Highlands which will help ensure that it can adapt to both changes already occurring and those predicted in our climate. I look forward to working with the international partners represented here at the Conference”.

Delegates are planting trees on Skye to offset the carbon emissions of the conference.	At Billia Croo, visiting the EMEC’s new wave testing site.

William Roe, chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise added, "I'm delighted this conference is taking place in the Highlands and Islands. Sustainability is a topic which is both vital to the future of our islands and central to the vision which drives Highlands and Islands Enterprise” He continued "The threat from climate change and the need to create a sustainable future are issues which touch the lives of everyone. This gathering is an important opportunity to exchange information, knowledge and experience from many countries, and I am grateful to CIFAL for arranging this opportunity."

The conference included contributions from the carbon neutral Danish island of Samso, where the 4,000 residents have completely eradicated its carbon footprint by using a combination of wind, solar power and biofuel and World Heritage Gotland, Sweden’s largest island and a model sustainable community with unique natural and cultural qualities which enhance the living environment and local economy and Tuvalu the first Island nation that is transforming the threat of climate change into realistic adaptation and mitigation actions on the ground.

	John Swinney, MSP, Cabinet Secretary, Finance & Sustainable Growth addressing the delegates.

Conference topics included

Assessing the major risks and drivers for emerging lower carbon employment and the key opportunities and challenges facing the Highlands and Islands in this area.
Promoting green jobs which contribute to broad-based growth while reducing emissions, building links between climate change, employment, incomes and poverty reduction.
Strengthening the capacity of the community islands through technical assistance, information and dissemination of good practice.
Filling the knowledge gaps, in particular mapping the “hotspots” for impacts of climate change on employment and incomes in the islands.
Identifying adaptation investments that could offer significant employment and income opportunities e.g. extending coastal defenses, reinforcing buildings and infrastructure, retrofitting existing house stock, sustainable tourism and transport.
Investing in people, exploring and supporting skills development to successfully implement new technology.