economic performance of the IDCs because it did not take into account other factors related to the quality of life. He hoped that the Meeting would come up with concrete recommendations to be followed up at the international, regional and national levels. 23. The representative of Papua New Guinea was pleased to note that the various United Nations and other international agencies were beginning to recognize the unique problems of IDCs. That understanding needed to be complemented with practical support to raise living standards and create an acceptable economic sphere. He mentioned that Governments in the South Pacific, had taken important steps to assist the development of small island countries and had produced declarations on environmental and economic issues. Governments in the region were greatly concerned with ongoing activities relating to nuclear testing and dumping of toxic and non-toxic waste. He called on the Governments which have not yet done so to sign the nuclear-free zone treaty in the South Pacific. He also called on the international community to support Pacific countries in their efforts to stop such illegal practices as drift-net fishing. He thanked the international community for its support and hoped that the good will expressed by some regional donors would continue as long as there was a need for assistance. 24. The representative of Tuvalu said that after Nauru, his country was the smallest independent State. He pointed out that Tuvalu faced serious problems related not only to smallness but also to isolation and resource scarcity. Further he said that there was considerable concern about the effects of soil erosion and rapid population growth. He pointed out that the only resource available was marine-based, and the exploitation of their vast exclusive economic zone was highly capital intensive and needed substantial external A/CONF.147/5 TD/B/AC.46/4 page 10 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the economic performance of IDCs (small island developing countries) and their unique challenges, such as isolation, resource scarcity, and environmental concerns. The representatives of Papua New Guinea and Tuvalu also mention specific issues like nuclear testing, waste dumping, and drift-net fishing. This suggests that the category should focus on the intersection of economic development, natural resources, and environmental concerns.

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