by the international community because of their geographical remoteness and high vulnerability to natural disasters. By emphasizing the role which the international community should play in assisting the IDCs, he did not want to create the impression that that should be done at the expense of any other developing countries. Referring to the special circumstances of his country, he said that the literacy rate at the time of independence was only 13 per cent. He said that the literacy rate was a minimal indication of ability to cope with the increasing complex administrative and technological responsibilities that must be undertaken. For that reason, the Government of Vanuatu was regarding human resource development as a major priority. He also emphasized the need for diversification, the inclusion of national disaster preparedness in the national plans, coastal zone management, land and sea resource management, strengthening the decision-making capability within government administration, broadening the statistical data base required for streamlining the institutional infrastructure, the development of transport and physical infrastructure, the exploitation of marine resources, environment management, promotion of regional co-operative arrangements and improved access to markets. 17. The representative of Maldives, referring to the particular difficulties which his country faced as an IDC, noted that inter-island transport and communications, limited land and water resources, environment, lack of skilled manpower and migration from the atolls to the capital constituted serious constraints. Furthermore, he emphasized that because of the very fragile nature of the country's coral island ecosystem, there was an urgent need for improving the capacity for assessing the environmental impact of all developmental activities. He also stressed the need for a comprehensive and integrated approach to development as it was the only viable strategy to ensure the viable and sustainable development of IDCs. 18. The representative of Trinidad and Tobago noted that the Meeting was 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the challenges faced by Island Developing Countries (IDCs) in terms of natural disasters, limited resources, and environmental fragility. The representatives of these countries emphasize the importance of human resource development, diversification, and integrated approaches to development. They also highlight the need for infrastructure development, environmental management, and sustainable use of natural resources.

**Category**
Economic development, Natural resources and environment