The North Atlantic Islands Programme (NAIP) is an association of island-dwellers intent on fostering co-operation among the islands of the North Atlantic rim and our mainland neighbours. The Programme is designed to facilitate research, information exchange and shared initiatives among our members.
We began in our own back yard, examining a particular set of islands. But the lessons we continue to learn, through our growing network of associates and contacts, have global applications.
GENESIS
The Programme was initiated by the Institute of Island Studies at the University of Prince Edward Island, an island province on Canada's Atlantic coast. In 1994, Iceland, the Isle of Man, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island set out to explore together public policy proposals aimed at greater economic self-reliance for small jurisdictions. This collaboration was the product of the Institute's international conference, An Island Living: Patterns of Autonomy and Dependence in the Small Islands of the North Atlantic, which took place on Prince Edward Island in September, 1992.
EVOLUTION
As happens in the vibrant and growing field of international research known as "island studies", a concurrent but separate project was undertaken on the opposite side of the Atlantic by NordREFO, the Nordic Institute of Regional Policy Research (now Nordregio). Its research programme centred on Iceland, the Åland Islands, the Faroe Islands and Greenland.
These two discrete initiatives were soon married under the North Atlantic Islands Programme.
PHASE ONE
The Programme had two main emphases from the outset: inter-island exchange and collaboration, and integrated comparative research. From 1994 to 1998, participants focussed on comparative study of the jurisdictional arrangements of the seven islands, and on sectoral studies and analysis in each jurisdiction. The sectoral studies were of four major policy areas: small-scale manufacturing, tourism, export of knowledge-based services, and primary resources.
Study missions, joint ventures, and academic and cultural exchanges among the islands broadened the base of engagement. These activities created greater awareness and, consequently, better understanding among the participant islands. They also stimulated interest beyond their shores.
PHASE TWO
Newly reconstituted early in the year 2000, the primary function of the North Atlantic Islands Programme is now that of a facilitating network. The NAIP Steering Committee endorses comparative research projects on and about islands. It also encourages exchange among member islands through ongoing public engagement activities and an annual North Atlantic Forum.
NORTH ATLANTIC FORUM
Like its progenitor, the North Atlantic Forum '98 that closed Phase One of the Programme, this annual conference is a forum for continued discussion and co-operation among NAIP members. Political, community, business, policy and academic leaders assemble for a few days of intensive exploration of issues relating to small jurisdictions in an expanding universe. Each year a different member island hosts the event.
GOVERNANCE
A Steering Committee governs Programme activities; one individual from each jurisdiction and a representative of the Institute of Island Studies make up the Committee. Members also may decide to name an alternate.
Additional members can be added with a majority vote of the Steering Committee. Structure and governance within each participant island jurisdiction is determined by its member(s) alone.
The Steering Committee Chair, in any given year, is the representative of the host island for the next scheduled North Atlantic Forum.
INSTITUTE OF ISLAND STUDIES
The Institute of Island Studies (IIS), under the direction of the NAIP Steering Committee, is the administrative centre for all Programme activities. It is responsible for the co-ordination and communications functions, maintaining an extensive distribution network by which members exchange current information (for more information or to join the mailing list, e-mail us at iis@upei.ca. The IIS also produces traditional and electronic publications, and oversees the Island Studies web site.
TANGIBLES
A series of publications and reports, a newsletter entitled Lessons From the Edge, and this web site are some of the ways in which the North Atlantic Islands Programme activities are documented. The lessons learned from the edge are tangible. Some of these reports are available on-line.
Institute of Island Studies