From Ilan Kelman, November 16, 2009:

Twenty years ago, from 14-18 November 1989, the Small States Conference on Sea Level Rise was held in Male, the Maldives as one of the first international meetings addressing island concerns about climate change.

Papers and material from the conference are now provided online at

http://www.islandvulnerability.org/slr1989.html

This material provides an historical perspective on the understanding of, and actions taken for, addressing sea-level rise over the past two decades, especially regarding the views of SIDS (Small Island Developing States).

This material has been made available as part of the Many Strong Voices programme
 http://www.manystrongvoices.org

which promotes the well-being, security and sustainability of coastal communities in the Arctic and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the face of climate change, by bringing these regions together to take action on climate change mitigation and adaptation.