countries and to monitor the progress of implementation of measures taken in favour of those countries. He said that international assistance to the IDCs A/CONF.147/5 TD/B/AC.46/4 page 9 was critical for the restructuring of their economies, which was required for ensuring sustainable economic growth. In reference to the problems being faced by Bahrain, he said that the sharp decline in oil prices had led to economic recession resulting in balance of payments and budgetary shortfalls. That adverse impact on the economy was accentuated by the limited land size, lack of fresh water, small market size, limited skilled labour, proneness to disaster, ecological problems and narrow exclusive economic zone. He said that external factors such as protectionist measures and high interest rates in the developed countries had also exacerbated the situation. He appealed to the international community to provide greater support to the IDCs in overcoming those problems and in that connection he urged UNDP to increase the IPF for the IDCs and not put them in the category of net contributors. He also noted that GNP should not be the only criterion for measuring the economic performance of IDCs. 22. The representative of Nauru said that his country was one of the smallest independent islands with extremely limited resources (phosphate) which would be exhausted by 1995. Although the mining industry had brought benefits, it had contributed to environmental degradation and climatic change. He added that his country's future was seriously endangered unless new mechanisms were found to generate continued economic viability. The full financial support and expertise of the international community would be needed to rehabilitate that environment. International institutions could assist with technical assistance programmes as a preliminary to access to low cost borrowings. He also had some misgivings about the appropriateness of GNP as a measure of 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the challenges faced by small island developing countries (IDCs) in terms of economic growth, limited resources, and environmental degradation. The speakers are appealing for international support and assistance to overcome these challenges. The text does not specifically mention agriculture, forestry, fishing, industry, transport, or communication.

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