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Sustainable Development? Aruba, a small island state. Opening remarks for the 2026 International Cartographic Association Sustainability Workshop.
Mijts, Eric Mijts, Eric
Mijts, Eric
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Location research
Date
2026-01-27
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Abstract
Small island states and territories face multiple, cumulative stressors that affect community wellbeing and ecosystem health. Many responses to these challenges rely on externally developed technological and technocratic interventions, which often address visible symptoms rather than root causes. Despite high pro-capita investments, outcomes are frequently experienced as disappointing.
Developing approaches with lasting impacts on island communities and ecosystems requires in-depth engagement with social, cultural and ecological dynamics of the island. Recognition of local knowledge, and a genuine transfer of ownership to those who live with the consequences of the interventions are key for adoption by those communities. In these opening remarks we will explore how cartography – understood not only as technical mapping but also as a social and political practice - can help us build an understanding of different approaches to island sustainability and contribute to the collective making of sustainable island futures.
Citation
Mijts, E. (2026, January 27). Sustainable Development? Aruba, a small island state. Opening remarks for the 2026 Cartography and Sustainable Development Workshop in Aruba. International Cartographic Association.