The Forum of Archipelagic Countries and Island States, known as the Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum, is the result of collaboration and collective commitment from island and archipelagic countries throughout the world. The formation of this forum began with the Manado Joint Declaration, an important agreement established at a meeting between Ministers in Manado, Indonesia, in 2018.
The main initiator for the formation of the AIS Forum is the Republic of Indonesia, a country consisting of thousands of islands and having extraordinary marine ecosystems and natural resources. Indonesia sees the need for a platform where island and archipelagic countries can gather, collaborate and share experiences in facing challenges that are unique to them.
At a meeting between Ministers in Manado, 21 island and archipelagic countries present signed the Manado Joint Declaration. This declaration became the basis for the formation of the AIS Forum. In the declaration, these countries firmly stated their commitment to unite in overcoming the environmental, social, economic and political problems faced by island and archipelagic countries. They also emphasized the importance of maintaining the sustainability of natural resources and their environment.
A total of 51 countries are members of the AIS Forum, including Indonesia. The following is a complete list of AIS Forum member countries around the world:
The AIS Forum was founded with the main aim of promoting sustainability and preserving natural wealth in island and archipelagic countries. This includes protecting coral reefs, marine biodiversity and the many unique ecosystems that support life. This forum is also committed to facing environmental problems caused by climate change and ecosystem changes.
Since the founding of the AIS Forum, significant initiatives have been undertaken by member countries to safeguard and protect the environment and promote sustainable economic development. A clear example of this success is the establishment of a Plastic Free Zone on the island of Bali, which provides an example to the world of efforts to reduce plastic waste in the marine and coastal environment.
In addition, this forum has also become a platform for regional cooperation in addressing cross-border issues, such as the protection of coral reefs in the Caribbean and maritime defense in strategic areas.
As time goes by, the AIS Forum continues to act as an important forum for island and island countries to formulate concrete solutions and carry out joint actions in facing global challenges. With cooperation, collaboration and shared commitment, it is hoped that island and archipelagic countries will remain the main drivers in preserving natural resources and the environment and in promoting sustainability throughout the world.
The history of the founding of the AIS Forum is concrete evidence that when island nations unite, their voices have a major impact in efforts to protect and preserve the extraordinary natural gifts they have inherited, and also in facing shared global challenges.