Inadequate transport systems for isolated islands

Inaccessible islands
Lack of shipping services for remote island states
Limited cross-island access

Nature

Remoteness is one of the roots of the specific problems of island developing countries, which are not found in the same form in small continental States. Most island developing countries are more than 500 kilometres from the nearest continent. Furthermore, there are over 36 which are archipelagic, made up of a number of islands which may be a long way from one another. Remoteness, however, is more than a question of distance in kilometres. It is more a function of the frequency, reliability, and convenience of transport and communications links. This in turn depends on the size of the market - the number of people or the amount of freight offering at a particular point - and on the transport and communication technologies available. Distances to be travelled within some archipelagic countries may represent an even greater remoteness in terms of travel time than that between the capital and neighbouring countries.

There is insufficient research into the development of appropriate types of vessel and aircraft for inter-island and feeder transport services: the transport development costs may be beyond the means of many island communities, but so may be the fixed infrastructure the transport services require. These internal transportation problems are aggravated by the fact that external transport services available to island countries continue to deteriorate, since technical progress in aviation and shipping is biased against small communities where the unit costs of operations tend to be correspondingly higher. Inadequate internal and external transport services are obstacles to island development, affecting tourism, conversion and production, exports, international political and diplomatic action, and scientific, technical and cultural interchange.

Background

The significance of inadequate transport systems for isolated islands emerged in the mid-20th century, as decolonization and globalization highlighted disparities in connectivity. International attention grew following reports from Pacific and Caribbean regions, where limited access impeded economic development, healthcare, and disaster response. Subsequent studies by organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank underscored the persistent vulnerability of island communities, prompting calls for targeted infrastructure investment and policy innovation to address these unique logistical challenges.

Incidence

In the South Pacific Ocean there are numerous isolated islands and island groups. The UK has several protectorates in the Atlantic Ocean which are even more isolated. The extreme geographical isolation of some islands makes it difficult for them to benefit from economic and social developments in which they would otherwise participate. The EEC/EU has around 400 inhabited islands for which transport costs are 30 to 40%, in some cases as much as 200%, higher than on the mainland.

Claim

Inadequate transport systems for isolated islands are a critical and urgent problem. These communities are unfairly cut off from essential services, economic opportunities, and emergency aid. This neglect perpetuates inequality, stifles development, and endangers lives. It is unacceptable that in the 21st century, so many islanders remain stranded by poor infrastructure. Immediate action is needed to ensure fair, reliable, and safe transport for all island populations.

Counter-claim

Frankly, the issue of inadequate transport systems for isolated islands is vastly overstated. These islands often have small populations and limited economic activity, making large-scale transport investments unnecessary and wasteful. Resources should be directed toward more pressing global concerns like healthcare, education, and climate change. Prioritizing isolated islands’ transport needs is simply not a significant problem compared to the urgent challenges facing the majority of the world’s population.