Developing economic vulnerability indices of environmental disasters in small island regions

We apply the gross island products (GIP) approach to assess the economic vulnerability of islands region to environmental disasters. In this study, two types of environmental disasters, sea level rise and natural disasters (typhoon, heavy rain and others), are identified and assessed. By using the case of Amami Islands of Japan, the results show that the economic loss related to environmental disasters is relatively small, ranging from 0.17% to 2.27% of the GIP. The results of vulnerability analysis indicate that, in terms of GIP-based value, Kikaijima is the most vulnerable island with the composite vulnerability index (CVI) of 0.737. However, in terms of per capita-based value, Okinoerabujima has the highest vulnerability with CVI of 0.910. We also found that these islands have relatively high income per capita, which may convey the impression of their strong economy (high resilience). However, the economies of such islands are highly exposed to the impacts of environmental disasters. © 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.