Sea-level rise represents one of the major challenges for small island states due to their_x000D_
geographical, economic, and political features. Even if climate change uncertainty makes_x000D_
impossible to predict the magnitude of extreme events, some of their consequences would be_x000D_
irreversible especially for island states, leading them to consider adaptation as a pillar of their_x000D_
national climate politics. However, despite its high context-specificity and multi-dimensionality_x000D_
would require ad-hoc, inclusive responses, adaptation continues to remain embedded in a linear,_x000D_
top-down, technocratic paradigm of action, which is proving not only to be insufficient but also_x000D_
harmful to local eco-systems and communities. The dominant political context in which adaptation_x000D_
takes form continue to value incremental adaptation practices – which reinforce existing_x000D_
vulnerabilities – instead of transformative efforts – which view adaptation as an opportunity to ‘to_x000D_
reconfigure the meaning and trajectory of development’ (Pelling, 2011: 167)._x000D_
Within this frame, the aim of this contribution is to discuss two examples of adaptation_x000D_
policies that respectively fall under the two approaches. On the one hand, as an incremental_x000D_
adaptive policy, I would focus on the case of land reclamation projects in the Maldives, presenting_x000D_
preliminary data collected through a desk study and a first two-weeks fieldwork on the island of_x000D_
Magoodhoo (Faafu Atoll, Maldives). On the other hand, I would discuss the case of planned_x000D_
relocation policies in Fiji considering it as a – controversial – transformative adaptation measure by_x000D_
building on first-hand data collected through a three-months fieldwork. In both cases, my_x000D_
methodology included semi-structured interviews and informal conversations with institutional_x000D_
actors and members of local communities as well as an analysis of relevant governmental_x000D_
adaptation policy documents.

Beatrice Ruggieri
University of Milano-Bicocca

 
ID Abstract: 931