The Island Gateway B ackground to the I nitiative Small islands, whether independent states or a part of a larger national entity, face a number of challenges that are common to all. These include vulnerability caused by the small size of the economy, physical isolation associated with high transportation costs, and problems related to the availability of fresh water.
Many islands are also prone to natural hazards, including cyclones, floods and droughts.
Other problems, on the other hand, are unique to certain islands. The Island Gateway is intended to serve the twin purpose of being a gateway to information on the internet related to small islands, and as a point source for scholars, organizations and related research activities pertaining to small islands and sustainable development by developing different databases for the purpose. The Homepages for the Gateway and the UNU Small Islands Network were designed on behalf of UNU by Hari Srinivas in cooperation with Glen Paoletto .