Regional mechanisms for inter-action and cooperation among SIDS were developed partly to alleviate the problems of distance and geographic isolation. The mechanisms existing today testify to their viability and efficiency as vehicles for the achievement of sustainable development objectives. All are clear examples of effective regional action and of what SIDS can successfully do for themselves. The overall trends with respect to sustainable development, as acknowledged by the world's political leadership at the 5-year review of Agenda 21 last year, are worse today than they were in 1992. Of the BPOA itself, one of the main drawbacks would be the lack of assured financial support as well as the shortage of skilled human resources.
Capacity building is of the highest priority.
At the end of the day, a country's most precious possessions are its human and natural resources. The question of adaptation is of critical importance to all SIDS, as an issue in the climate change negotiations as it is in the context of sustainable development projects. International support in all such areas would be vital. Yet, in a world intent on globalisation, a world of competing priorities with hunger and poverty still appallingly real among developing countries, and given that there is retreat from the sustainable development commitments and ideals agreed at Rio in 1992, it is important for SIDS to accept that the assertion of vulnerability alone is not sufficient. In this respect it is important to appreciate that the primary responsibility for the success of the BPOA lies with the SIDS, first and foremost.