Yes / This paper explores the multidimensional effects of an external non-tariff measure (NTM) on maritime transportation between the United States (US) and Puerto Rico (PR) trades. In particular, this research addresses the vulnerability level of PR’s agrifood sector in relation to sustainability as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) highly influenced by a larger economy. Due to the high potential of climate changes in the Caribbean, this study reviewed the effects of a maritime cabotage policy on a SIDS agribusinesses’ logistic. Could a NTM affect the supply chain capabilities and the food security of a SIDS? What challenges and opportunities does the US Cabotage policy present for PR’s agricultural sector’s competitiveness? Based on mixing empirical analysis in an exploratory convergent design, the research categorizes the cabotage policy in relation to the effects on PR’s agrifood supply chain, its port infrastructure, and its native agribusinesses’ competitiveness. Results show the maritime cabotage itself is a constraint. However, the interactions with others NTMs, indirectly related to the cabotage but inherent to the political status and business relationship between PR and the US, add other limits. In addition, it revealed that internal factors have an impact on the efficiency and competitiveness of PR’s agro-industrial sector.

Freshwater scarcity leads to serious effects on the socioeconomic and commercial development of a country. The management of freshwater resources will be one of the most pressing issues of this millennium making it a catalyst for war and peace. Some of the most water-scarce countries in the world are small island developing states that are mainly supplied by freshwater through groundwater and rainwater due to their natural conditions. Small islands in the Eastern Caribbean are geographically prone to suffer from water scarcity due to their natural circumstances. Due to systematic failures, the small island developing state of Anguilla has few renewable freshwater resources. To meet the Sustainable Development Goals and respect Human Rights, Anguilla needs to invest in finding new ways of securing freshwater for its inhabitants. Leading technologies in the insurance of freshwater security are desalination, wastewater clearing and the import of freshwater. Three case studies of Kuwait, Cyprus and Singapore have been analysed as best practices as these countries are experienced and have sophisticated water strategies for dealing with water scarcity. The three technologies and the knowledge and practices from the case studies have then been applied to Anguilla. Due to the economic situation, Anguilla will most likely keep relying on freshwater imports but also on treating wastewater for irrigation and flushing uses to release stress on freshwater. The option of implementing a water conservation tax or fiscal subsidies would be an additional incentive for inhabitants and tourists to reduce water consumption and release stress on freshwater scarcity in Anguilla.

ABSTRACT The cost of doing nothing would be very high on the fragile national ecosystems andultimately on the society of the Seychelles. ’Seychelles National Report 2012 p55 This Minor Field Study, undertaken as a Bachelor’s thesis, aims to research the Seychelleswork with sustainable tourism development and its challenges. The study was conducted onsite for two months in cooperation with the Seychelles Tourism Board. The national strategyfor sustainable tourism development is intended to maintain the uniqueness of Seychelles.Seychelles has for over 30 years been a global leader in protecting biodiversity and naturalenvironment and 51 % of the total land area consists of conservation areas. On the otherhand, Seychelles main source of income is tourism, with 40 % of the inhabitants directly orindirectly depending on tourism. As one of our interviewees put it: “the more tourism, themerrier”. The country will get better infrastructure and more jobs because of it and howcould that spoil the environment? This study looks into hotels perceptions of sustainabledevelopment in the tourism industry, their work with sustainable practices and thoughtsconcerning ecolabelling. Results show dissatisfaction with the government and that betterenvironmental governance is needed. The recent rapid development of new hotels isbecoming a rather problematic situation due to higher competition, infrastructural problemsand lack of labour force. The interest in an eco label is high, although they believe it iscomplicated to implement and is perceived as expensive. On the other hand, hotels are moreor less working in a sustainable way already.Regardless of the sustainable tourism development initiative, our interviewees had afear that Seychelles is becoming a mass tourism destination. They demand that this trend bestopped. We ask therefore, is more really merrier?