Building a geographic info-structure for sustainable development planning on a small island developing state

As small island developing states work towards economically and environmentally sustainable development, they lack many of the financial, technical, and information management resources available in larger, more developed countries. The ability to acquire geographic information and integrate it into decision-making processes is particularly difficult. Yap, a member of the Federated States of Micronesia, exemplifies many small island developing states in its effort to develop an informational infrastructure. This paper describes the early steps of on-going work by Yapese scientists, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations, and Queens University of Charlotte to start a successful GIS program. It is intended that this program will contribute to a future planning support system. Early application of Yap's GIS has resulted in a dramatic reduction in area of an invasive grass (Imperata cylindrica) and increased knowledge and use of GIS by Yapese decision-makers.