Eleventh Global Studies Conference

Abstract

This analysis establishes sustainable models for managing livelihoods and the environment, focusing on the US and British Virgin Islands. In order to arrive at effective sustainable development models, a number of efforts must be made to cultivate broader more inclusive approaches. Taking a systems approach to better understand past, present, and future concerns requires the inclusion of the many varied stakeholders. If sustainable development is to succeed, the needs of each group must be acknowledged. On the small islands of the Caribbean this includes groups as diverse as the indigenous inhabitants, multi-national corporations, non-indigenous residents, and the many tourists who pass through annually. Collaboration to strengthen governance in regards to economic, social, and environmental factors is critical, especially in the context of globalization. In order to discover areas where collaboration is needed the central issues must be identified. Issue maps combined with stakeholder maps can help to analyze the interdependencies of the social, economic, cultural, and natural systems. The goal of the analysis is to establish sustainable models for managing livelihoods and the environment. This research will conduct such an analysis in the US and British Virgin Islands. Issue and stakeholder maps will be analyzed in order to make policy and systemic change recommendations