Development of small island vulnerability index to achieve sustainable development goals: Insight from Ternate Volcanic Island, Indonesia

Abstract

Small islands encounter distinct challenges concerning climate vulnerability stemming from constrained resourcesand lack of access to information due to remoteness and isolation. Such characteristics shape the evaluation of vulnerabilities to make adaptive decisions in response to hazards. This investigation seeks to create a down-scaled climate vulnerability index specifically for small island communities, with Ternate Island as an example, to achieve sustainable development goals. A climate vulnerability assessment tool was developed using a multidimensional approach to gather information on the exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity of communities across 60 villages on Ternate Island. The index was compiled using official data, including local and central government statistical data. The index results indicate that 8 villages fall into the very low category, 11 villages are classified as low, 10 in the medium category, 15 as high, and 16 in the very high category. Factors such as the size of the hazard zone, availability of water resources, health and sanitation facilities, poverty, and the presence of financial institutions are intricately linked to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 11. SDGs indicators can also serve as predictors of climate vulnnerabilities. The findings offer crucial information for the government and all relevant parties to develop adaptation and mitigation strategies designed to tackle small islands' climate change challenges. Local governments should initiate their programs by focusing on villages that exhibit very high vulnerability scores.