Article

Island Genres, Genre Islands: Conceptualisation and Representation in Popular Fiction; Postcolonial Nations, Islands and Tourism

By: Godfrey Baldacchino

Holland, Mill, Windmill, Travel, Water, Tour, Tourism
Photo from pixabay

Abstract

The dramatic explosion of sovereign states since 1945 has brought to life various island and archipelagic jurisdictions. To the old state formations of the United Kingdom and Japan, and former colonies of Cuba and Haiti/Dominican Republic, we have had a plethora of additions that are clearly island states: from Iceland (independent since 1944) to St Kitts-Nevis (independent since 1983).

Fully aware of this trend, and, as a consequence of their significant lobbying power, the United Nations now recognises the category of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). A UN-led review of their development challenges and prospects has taken place every ten years, starting with Barbados (1994), Mauritius (2005) and Samoa (2014). Read more>>


How far can one go? How distance matters in island development

By: Godfrey Baldacchino

Horse, Ascension, Jeju Island, Cloud

Abstract

Island development trajectories are heavily impacted by their relevance, similarity, complementarity and value in relation to continental development pathways. I would argue that this is so, also because of the physical proximity of islands to their respective metropolis, making the former island units in and of their respective mainland. This paper proposes a politics of distance. It examines how physical detachment from the mainland (and from central government) impacts on an island’s ability to determine its own destiny and developmental course. This paper does so by reviewing how near islands and remote islands have: (a) nurtured different levels of jurisdictional status and autonomy; and (b) used that jurisdictional resource, where available, to chart their own development trajectory, in ways that may be similar, complementary, different and outright in opposition to mainland ambitions and plans. In such liaisons, remote islands are more likely to avoid the clutches, overtures and demands of (more distant) powers—and thus depart from mainland agendas—than near islands. Read more>>

Cross-border Shopping Tourism: A SwitzerlandGermany Case Study

By: Doug Ramsey, Tatanja Thimm and Leonie Hehn

Ski, Skis, Skiers, Zermatt, Switzerland
Photo from pixabay

Abstract

Border issues continue to be of interest in tourism literature, most significantly that which focusses on cross-border shopping (e.g., currency values, taxation, security). Borders as destinations are recognized in this area but the notion of shopping as a destination is perhaps less acknowledged. Following a review of the relevant literature, including the presentation of a table summarizing key areas of cross-border tourism research around the world, this paper presents a unique example of a border region with two-way traffic for cross-border shopping tourism: the border between Germany and Switzerland. The particular case is where two cities meet at the border: Konstanz, Germany and Kreuzlingen, Switzerland. An intercept survey and key informant interviews were conducted in both communities in the spring of 2015. The results indicate high levels of traffic for various products and services. Read more>>


Food waste at school. The environmental and cost impact of a canteen meal

By: García-Herrero, Laura, Fabio De Menna, and Matteo Vittuari

Apple, Harvest, Bio, Garden

Abstract

The challenge of increasing food demand due to population growth urges all stakeholders to act against food losses and waste, especially in light of their environmental, cost, and social impacts. In developed countries, awareness raising, and prevention are particularly important at the consumption level, where food waste mainly occurs. In this sense, public school canteens represent a unique setting, because of their capacity of conveying food habits, while sustainably managing available resources. This research assessed the environmental and cost impact of food consumption and wastage in public school canteens through a case study in Italy. It combined life cycle assessment, environmental life cycle costing, and quarter-waste visual methods. The functional unit was defined as the average meal provided by the catering service to 3–10 years old students. Read more>>