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Migrant Communities in Portugal: Gentrification and Deportation

Migrant Communities in PortugalGentrification in traditionally working-class neighborhoods in cities like Lisbon, Portugal, is increasing house prices. At the same time, the government’s recent plans to deport thousands of migrants are raising concerns. Together, these changes threaten multiethnic neighborhoods and immigrant identities across Portugal. However, many organizations are resisting this by empowering migrant communities in Portugal through a range of projects.

Deportation and the Rise of Populism

The recent rise in far-right populism and political strategy ahead of a general election has led to plans to deport 18,000 irregular migrants across Portugal. Luis Montenegro, leader of the center-right party Democratic Alliance and current Prime Minister, has faced criticism for announcing the deportation plans just before a snap election in May 2025 to gain voters. However, the Democratic Alliance didn’t win a majority. The head of the Socialist Party, Pedro Nuno Santos, resigned after winning the same number of seats as Chega, a relatively new far-right party rooted in anti-immigration rhetoric.

According to a Portuguese Migration and Home Affairs Office publication, attitudes toward immigrants among Portuguese people depend on their country of origin. Attitudes toward migrants from the Indian subcontinent, including countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal, are more negative. Moreover, 68% of the public believe Portugal’s immigration policies are too liberal. They also think that the presence of immigrants impacts their salaries, despite the country’s economic growth depending on sectors where most employees are migrants (such as agriculture and construction).

Gentrification and Touristification

Like many popular destinations, Portugal has become a victim of its success within the tourism industry. Lisbon had 5.6 million visitors in 2023 alone. Thanks to the rise of Airbnb, house prices are rapidly increasing while the availability of public housing is diminishing. In addition to touristification, digital nomads arriving in Portugal with higher salaries have contributed heavily to gentrification.

Although rent and house prices have risen by 120% in cities such as Lisbon, wage levels have remained stagnant. This means many people cannot afford to continue living in the neighborhoods where they grew up. Moreover, some of the neighborhoods most affected by gentrification are home to some of the most multicultural communities in Portugal, meaning that immigrants and working-class people are being pushed to the peripheries of their cities.

Organizations Empowering Migrant Communities

Despite the deportations of migrants and the cultural erosion of their neighborhoods, some grassroots organizations are stepping up. They support and empower migrant communities while resisting the effects of mass tourism, digital nomadism and far-right politics.

  1. The Lisbon Project. One of the most notable organizations empowering migrant communities in Portugal is the Lisbon Project. It is a nonprofit organization (NGO) founded in 2016 to strengthen migrant and refugee communities across Lisbon and make them feel a sense of belonging. The charity currently has 5,952 registered community members from 250 countries, with the top nationalities being Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Nigeria and Algeria.

    Focusing on integration and empowerment, the Lisbon Project operates across various domains, including community life, education, employability and social care. Some of its specific projects include the Benevolence Program, which provides free items such as furniture and home appliances to new arrivals). Others include the Portuguese Welcome Course and free Community Dinners, among many others. Despite currently only operating in Lisbon, the organization aims to expand into three hubs across Portugal by the end of 2030.

  2. Renovar a Mouraria Foundation. Renovar a Mouraria is another Lisbon-based NGO. However, it focuses its support on the multicultural Mouraria neighborhood, which has become a home to multiple immigrant and refugee communities in Lisbon. However, due to the neighborhood’s abandonment and marginalization, residents have been affected by drug trafficking, rising social tensions and gentrification.

    Working with various stakeholders, including the Lisbon City Council, Renovar a Mouraria has been coordinating community-strengthening services since 2008. These include integrated social support, migrant regularization, Portuguese language courses and vocational training. In addition to providing practical services, the NGO has fostered creativity and communication in the neighborhood. One example is Secondary Residence, a collaborative project where a group of residents produced a collective reflection. It was based on their interactions with local people and their experiences living in Mouraria.

  3. The Portuguese Refugee Council (CPR). Similarly, the CPR is empowering migrant communities in Portugal and addressing their marginalization by deconstructing myths about refugees. It is also providing designated spaces, including three Refugee Reception Centers.

    Operating since 1991, the CPR has supported 14,640 refugees and asylum seekers in Portugal through advocacy, legal support, international protection and training sessions. Moreover, the CPR runs multiple services and projects specifically supporting child refugees, such as the CPR daycare and the Shelter for Refugee Children.

Final Remarks

Multiculturalism and the rich history of working-class neighborhoods across Portuguese cities deserve celebration and preservation. Thanks to the amazing organizations empowering migrant communities in Portugal, resettled populations can continue to thrive and network, fostering creativity, cultural exchange and positive integration.

– Clodagh Dowson

Clodagh is based in Wiltshire, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Foreign Aid To Iraqi Kurdistan

Foreign Aid To Iraqi KurdistanWith a population of more than 6 million, Iraqi Kurdistan (KRI) has long been an important partner for the international community. Since the Iraqi government formally recognized the KRI in 2005, it has remained a semi-autonomous region and acted as a home for refugees fleeing conflict in neighboring Syria. The region also played a vital role in the fight against the Islamic State between 2013 and 2017, but since the recent cuts in U.S. aid to Iraqi Kurdistan, worries about maintaining peace in the region have emerged. In spite of this, intergovernmental organizations such as the U.N. are implementing efforts to ensure the growth and well-being of the KRI and its people.

The Challenges Facing Iraqi Kurdistan

Of the 10 million people estimated to be living in poverty in Iraq, the KRI has a significantly lower proportion of that figure given the region’s semi-autonomous status and thus immunity from certain sanctions in previous years. But, waves of displacement and unemployment have contributed to the level of poverty in Iraqi Kurdistan.

As a result of the war on ISIS and the political instability in Syria since 2011, Iraqi Kurdistan has welcomed 1.8 million Syrian refugees and Iraqi Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), which led to a 28% increase in the region’s population. Consequently, many individuals are enduring extreme poverty in these refugee camps in the north of the region.

Additionally, current estimates of unemployment in Iraqi Kurdistan are 13.6% for men and 29.6% for women, which is one of the leading reasons for poverty in the region.

In addition to the issue of unemployment, Iraqi Kurdistan is also experiencing the misappropriation of government funds. In 2023, a review of public spending in the KRI found that 42% of funds go towards employee salaries, which explains the severe underdevelopment of private sector industries. For example, Iraqi Kurdistan’s primary source of income is the oil industry, accounting for 99% of exports, which leaves the economy exposed to drastic shifts in global oil prices. Much of the work by NGOs and foreign governments operating in the region thus focuses on enhancing the growth of private sector industries and investing heavily in infrastructure projects.

International Contributions

In spite of the reduction in foreign aid to Iraqi Kurdistan, governments from around the world are coming up with innovative and diverse ways to boost employment in the region and advocate for those affected by conflict. For example, The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has teamed up with the KRI’s Ministry of Municipality and Tourism in Erbil, to provide training programs for women and youth to create handicraft objects to boost tourism and cultural awareness in the region. So far, the program has taken place in nine locations across the region and delivered essential training to 170 participants, improving their job prospects.

In addition, the U.K. maintains its optimism towards strengthening British-Iraqi Kurdistan relations and has proudly delivered health care services to more than 6 million people across Iraq. The British government will also be sending £100,000 per year, for the next 3 years, to support the implementation of the Yazidi Survivors Law, in the hopes of spreading awareness about the poverty and suffering of marginalized Kurds. 

Among plans to boost the tourism industry in the region, foreign aid to Iraqi Kurdistan is shifting towards the agricultural sector in order to diversify the KRI’s economy. In particular, delegations from the United Arab Emirates have conducted 10 research projects into rehabilitating the agriculture and livestock industry.

CABI’s Work in Iraqi Kurdistan

The nonprofit organization, CABI, has taken a more active role in boosting agricultural employment to alleviate the effects of poverty in the region. Through training programs, enhanced information, post-harvest services and processing plants, CABI is supporting potato production in the Duhok province. The project not only seeks to bolster food supply in this part of Iraqi Kurdistan, but also to offer jobs to IDPs, refugees and other vulnerable groups. Since its inception in 2021, CABI’s work in the KRI has already established a potato processing and storage plant, with hopes of offering 10,000 workers with job opportunities in harvesting.

The Future 

Currently, like many regions of the world, foreign aid to Iraqi Kurdistan has fallen short of previous years. The main challenges that the KRI faces are high levels of unemployment, over-dependence on the oil industry and managing the refugee crisis; all of which directly or indirectly contribute to poverty in the region. However, by expanding the economy into new sectors such as handicraft training and potatoes to boost tourism and agriculture sectors, the future is bright for Iraqi Kurdistan.

– Alfie Williams-Hughes

Alfie is based in Nottingham, UK and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Peru Shows How Tourism Can Reduce Poverty

Tourism Can Reduce PovertyPeru created its national brand, “Marca Perú,” in 2011. PromPerú and the Peruvian Ministry of Tourism launched the initiative to promote the country’s global image. Its objectives include promoting Peruvian products, attracting foreign investment and boosting tourism. Machu Picchu, located in Cusco, became a central feature of this strategy, as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The campaign led to results beyond initial expectations, including new business creation and long-term poverty reduction in the region. As 2025 approaches, Marca Perú aims to replicate Cusco’s success by decentralizing tourism across the country to support development in other regions.

Success in Machu Picchu

Peruvian Society of Foreign Commerce (COMEXPERU) reported that Cusco had a poverty rate of 63.8%, which dropped to 21.6% by 2022. While other sectors, such as mining, played a role, tourism significantly contributed to local job creation. Jobs emerged around the capital and the route to Machu Picchu—from restaurants and lodges to craft shops and guiding services. The Peruvian government expanded its international promotion efforts, placing Machu Picchu at the center of its campaigns.

Research by the University of Girona in Spain found a direct link between PromPerú’s tourism promotion and job creation in Cusco, contributing to the province’s development. Since the brand’s launch, Machu Picchu has been featured in major advertising, including the 2012 launch video and targeted campaigns for specific regions such as Japan. A prominent example of this visibility includes Machu Picchu’s placement on welcome signs at Jorge Chávez International Airport.

While local management of funds remains a concern, data suggests tourism played a key role in Cusco’s recent poverty reduction. In 2024, the Ministry of Tourism reported that 2.9 million international visitors arrived in Peru. Of those, nearly 1 million visited Machu Picchu, which attracted twice as many tourists as the second most-visited site, Ollantaytambo.

Peru’s Plan to Decentralize Tourism

To spread the benefits of tourism more widely, Peru is pursuing decentralization through efforts led by both the government and Marca Perú.

  • Government Initiatives. The Peruvian government has started developing eight cableway lines to reach remote destinations. Kuélap, a fortress in the Cusco region known for its historical significance, is one such line. The improved access allows tourists to experience the site more easily. In addition, the government is offering special credit and loans to small businesses in the tourism sector—such as artisans, hostels, restaurants and guides. These loans offer low interest rates and flexible repayment to support small enterprises in underserved regions. The Ministry of Commerce also launched “Pueblos con Encanto” (Towns with Charm), a program promoting lesser-known towns like Oyantaytambo, Oxapampa and Sibaya. The initiative encourages the development of tourism in welcoming but under-visited areas.
  • Marca Perú Campaigns. Marca Perú introduced the “Peru Wow” campaign to showcase destinations and gastronomy across the country. The campaign targets international audiences in the United States (U.S.), Spain, Mexico, Germany and France, reaching an estimated 61.6 million people. A promotional video featuring astronauts aired in Times Square, showcasing Peru’s diversity to a global audience. The second campaign, “Perú, País de Dones Infinitos” (Peru, Country of Infinite Gifts), promotes national pride and cultural identity among Peruvians. The goal is to encourage domestic tourism and inspire Peruvians to share the richness of their heritage. The campaign features testimonials and short videos on social media platforms.

Expanding to New Destinations

To reduce poverty beyond Cusco, Marca Perú now promotes tourism in lesser-known but culturally and environmentally rich regions.

Moving Forward

Cusco reveals that tourism can help reduce poverty when paired with inclusive economic planning. Peru continues to develop infrastructure, promote destinations globally and foster local entrepreneurship. Decentralizing tourism could open new opportunities in high-poverty regions like Puno, where 41.6% of the population lives in poverty. A traveler’s next visit could contribute directly to sustainable development in these communities, highlighting how tourism can reduce poverty.

– Luis Felipe Rios

Luis is based in Miami, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Addressing Poverty in Greenland 

Poverty in GreenlandGreenland is an autonomous country under Denmark’s rule. Half of the country’s public revenue comes solely from Danish aid and contributions and yet many citizens live below the poverty line. While other members of the Danish Kingdom flourish, including the considerably smaller Faroe Islands, the number of people living in poverty throughout Greenland is at a staggeringly high 17.4%. This is what the reality of Greenlandic poverty looks like.

The People of Greenland

The vast majority of Greenland’s population identify as Inuit and consider themselves to be ethnically Greenlandic, while the remaining are nearly entirely Danish. The impacts of Norse colonialism and rapid modernization throughout history have impacted the Inuit people’s livelihoods and ways of living have been threatened by the impact of Norse colonialism and rapid modernization throughout history, a threat which has not dispersed despite decades of being recognized as an autonomous territory.

Tourism Vs. Tradition

For many, traditional industries such as fishing and hunting were a means of survival as well as income, though the forced displacement of families and the Inuit people has meant that many have lost access or ease of access to the trades they once relied heavily upon. These industries have long been a staple within the communities, but are gradually being replaced with modern institutions, including mining and tourism.

From 1774 to 1908, the Royal Greenland Trading Department (KGH) were responsible for managing the Greenland government and trade, and throughout this period, they actively fought the urbanization of the native land. However, by the 1960s, the Danish government had introduced a modernization program. While the Danish government introduced it to help Greenlandic workers, particularly the fishermen, into work at modern fisheries, the program merely contributed to the collapse of existing fishers and thus the vital trades of many citizens, as well as prolonged unemployment. This was only one example of colonization contributing to a growing crisis of poverty in Greenland.

The Modernization Shortfall 

Despite being the world’s largest island, the country is home to only 57,000 citizens, making for a sparse population along the coastline and masses of uninhabited land. As a result of this dispersion, there is a lack of key infrastructure that would enable various areas of the economy to grow, such as mining or tourism. As of 2025, there are still less than 100 miles of paved roads across the island, making transportation difficult for workers, and thus limiting job opportunities and access to key sectors and services. For those who rely upon fishing, hunting and gathering to survive non-existent or difficult roads can lead to both job and food insecurity.

These rural areas are where poverty thrives; according to Project World, many Greenlanders have inadequate access to sanitation, food and clean water within their own homes. This is particularly prevalent within predominantly Inuit villages, where a lack of a national grid means that people cannot easily access the services they rely on. Where Danish modernization programs and projects largely failed, many native Greenlanders fell behind and, as a result, beneath the poverty line.

Rising Temperatures 

Like the majority of Arctic countries, rising temperatures is impacting Greenland. As the ice sheet began to retreat in 2023, the island became known for its untapped resources, the earth rich with minerals. However, the aforementioned lack of infrastructure makes it more difficult to access these resources and, therefore, create jobs within the sector.

While the discovery of these minerals has been widely deemed a good thing, the impact of the rescinding ice sheet is already disrupting the lives of many Greenlanders. Melting ice and global warming can make one of the island’s key exports – fishing – an even more unreliable source of income, as the changing weather conditions impact marine life. Climate-induced erosion is also hitting the already limited road structures, making journeys necessary for food, work or transportation more dangerous, more difficult and more insecure. This impacts poverty in Greenland.

The Future

While Greenland’s autonomy and ownership have become a recent political issue, there should be a greater focus on alleviating poverty in Greenland without the island and the people’s independence and autonomy being used as a price tag. In particular, the Salvation Army is recognized as one of the major charitable organizations in Greenland that is making a large everyday impact on the citizens, helping to end homelessness and improve the quality of life for those most vulnerable across the country. From 2012, the charity has been providing warm spaces, meals and drinks and support to those in need, including via the 2024 Self Denial Appeal, which aimed to improve lives across the country.

With eyes across the globe turned to the island, hopefully, there will be a greater focus on improving the lives of Greenlanders by fighting poverty.

– Macy Hall

Macy is based in Dover, Kent, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Virunga Alliance: Rebuilding the DRC

Virunga AllianceThe Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is actively working to rebuild and redevelop after decades of war and mismanagement that crippled the nation. The DRC, one of the largest countries in Africa, has a population of more than 100 million people. The nation has been at the center of regional conflicts, including the First and Second Congo Wars, which were among the most destructive in recent history. These conflicts created long-term socio-economic instability, which continues to impact the region. To combat these challenges, the Congolese government has implemented National Action Plans (NAPs)—a series of strategies designed to promote social cohesion and economic development.

National Action Plans for Stability and Growth

The first National Action Plan (NAP), implemented in 2010, focused on improving the rights of women and girls within local communities. The plan aimed to integrate women into the local economy and improve their societal standing. However, the government viewed this initial effort as a learning experience, identifying implementation weaknesses, according to PeaceWomen.org.

Applying these lessons, the government adopted the second NAP in 2018, with an implementation period from 2019 to 2022. This plan built upon the first by increasing women’s participation in local political organizations, allowing them to advocate for their rights and economic opportunities. Additionally, the second NAP aimed to curb the small arms trade in eastern DRC, where the majority of rebel groups operate. These armed groups control a large portion of the Congo River Basin, home to nearly 60 million people. Restricting the flow of small arms limits their firepower, but the root cause of these groups—economic instability—remains a significant challenge.

While the region is fertile, many people lack access to credit, preventing them from fully developing agricultural markets. Instead, most rural inhabitants rely on subsistence farming and fishing, with little opportunity for economic advancement. Economic instability has forced many individuals into illegal trades, including poaching for ivory, extortion and kidnapping. From 2017 to 2019, these activities resulted in more than 6,000 civilian deaths.

Virunga Alliance: A Model for Sustainable Growth

To address these ongoing issues, the Congolese government partnered with Virunga National Park to launch the Virunga Alliance—an initiative aimed at creating a sustainable economic model that expands the job market and aligns local economies with the natural landscape.

The Virunga Alliance focuses on three key sectors: tourism, energy and agriculture.

  • Reviving Tourism. Before armed conflicts disrupted the region, Virunga National Park was as popular as the Serengeti. The Alliance aims to rebuild infrastructure and improve governance, paving the way for a new wave of tourists. Since the park reopened in 2014, more than 17,000 visitors have returned—an early sign of progress.
  • Sustainable Energy Development. Revitalizing the energy sector is key to economic recovery. The Virunga Alliance has constructed three hydroelectric facilities, providing electricity to nearly 1 million people. The initiative also offers a loan-based electricity system for businesses, allowing them to access power and repay loans based on usage. More than 127 local entrepreneurs have joined this program, using sustainable energy to develop businesses.
  • Expanding Agricultural Markets. Infrastructure and electricity improvements are enabling local farmers to tap into regional and international markets. With better food storage facilities and improved roads, agricultural businesses can increase exports, creating a cycle of economic growth. As these businesses expand, job opportunities multiply, strengthening local economies.

Looking Ahead

The implementation of these programs is expected to strengthen local economies and stabilize communities affected by decades of conflict. While challenges remain, initiatives like the National Action Plans and the Virunga Alliance demonstrate that sustainable economic development is possible. By investing in women’s empowerment, small business support and infrastructure projects, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is taking critical steps toward long-term economic recovery.

– Jonathan Joseph

Jonathan is based in Milwaukee, WI, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Innovations in poverty eradication in Barbados

poverty eradication in BarbadosBarbados is an eastern Caribbean island with a population of about 282,000. Being a small island, Barbados is very susceptible to economic disturbances caused by external factors such as natural disasters as well as raises in import costs. COVID-19 also played a huge factor in an increase in poverty on the island, drastically affecting tourism, one of the island’s main sources of income. There have been many innovations in poverty eradication in Barbados including a post-COVID-19 tourist boom, as well as government-led plans and programs which target the economy to alleviate poverty on the island.

Tourism Effect

The increase in tourists to pre-COVID-19 levels has definitely helped the poverty issue within Barbados as the economy has since grown by 4.5% with the return of tourists to the island post-pandemic. GDP rose 4% just in 2024 in Barbados, and both tourism and manufacturing have seen a 5.5% increase in the traded sector while non-traded sectors went up by 3.7%.

The number of prolonged tourist visits in Barbados increased by 10.7%, and the number of cruise calls increased by 53, causing a 40.8% rise in tourists by cruise, according to the Central Bank of Barbados. These event tactics that focus on tourist booms are critical to the economy and are a huge innovation in poverty eradication in Barbados as their economy relies heavily on tourism, as 50% of export income is attributed to tourism, and is truly a driving point for the economy.

The Role of BERT

Along with tourism, there are multiple ongoing and promising government-led plans, one of the most prominent being the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT). BERT recently received support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) along with the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) as well as an arrangement by the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). Help from these facilities if approved by the IMF would mean a total of $56 million between both facilities would be made available to BERT.

BERT is one of the most important innovations in poverty eradication in Barbados as it has been working and reimplemented since 2018 in a mission to restore and support the macroeconomics of the island, by doing structural reforms and shifting towards a more tourism based economy.

BERT has also worked against certain external shock factors such as natural disasters to not disrupt the visitor-based economy it is building. It has started the Stormwater Management Act to combat flood risks, has started to shy away from fossil fuels and is looking at renewable energy sources to prevent economic growth from stunting due to such factors.

The BERT plan was based on the government’s anti-poverty alignment and strives for long-standing and sustainable growth and has so far proven to be beneficial to the island. In combination with new tourism business and tactics, Barbados is on the right track toward economic success. These innovations in poverty eradication in Barbados have benefited Barbados greatly as unemployment rates drop, and domestic business has increased since both the tourist boom and the reimplementation of BERT.

– Cheyenne Weller

Cheyenne is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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A City on the Sea: Floating Cities and Infrastructure to the Maldives

Floating Cities in the Maldives: Building Jobs and ResilienceFor decades, the Maldives has been an oasis of beauty and tranquility. Located at the tip of the Indian Peninsula, it serves as a touch of paradise for wealthy tourists seeking an escape from the busy modern world. Yet, the island nation faces a growing challenge: a shortage of space for both its rising tourist population and the 500,000 inhabitants who power its economy. With tourism growing by 16% annually, the Maldives now confronts the pressing issues of overpopulation and land scarcity.

The Maldives relies heavily on tourism, which directly contributes 40% to its economy and a projected indirect contribution of 79% in 2022. Its limited natural resources—primarily fish and timber—leave the country dependent on external investment for infrastructure development. While allies like the UAE, India and China have historically provided aid, private European investment has emerged as the most viable path forward.

A Floating Solution: Jobs and Opportunities

In response to this challenge, Dutch Docklands, in collaboration with architectural firm Waterstudio, has proposed an ambitious solution: a floating city designed to house up to 20,000 residents. This innovative project not only promises to expand living space but also offers a significant economic boost by creating thousands of jobs, particularly for Maldivian locals. Beyond job creation, the floating city could transform local communities by promoting skills development and increasing access to essential services. As the project evolves, prioritizing local hiring, vocational training and knowledge transfer will be key to ensuring that Maldivians, not just foreign investors, benefit from this development.

Social and Environmental Impact

The project extends beyond economic benefits. Floating infrastructure can mitigate the long-standing threat of coastal erosion, a problem that has plagued Maldivian communities for generations. By creating more resilient housing and infrastructure, the floating city offers protection against rising sea levels, safeguarding both homes and livelihoods.

Dutch Docklands has emphasized the project’s sustainability, claiming it will be powered by renewable energy and designed to minimize environmental impact. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on how well they integrate with existing Maldivian efforts to promote sustainable tourism and protect marine ecosystems. Moreover, the project could improve access to education and health care, especially if planners include community centers, clinics and schools within the floating city. For low-income families in the Maldives, these services could be life-changing, breaking cycles of poverty while strengthening community resilience and improving the infrastructure in the Maldives.

Balancing Opportunity with Local Autonomy

While the floating city offers promising opportunities, concerns remain regarding local autonomy. The Maldives currently maintains control over key infrastructure through its central bank and firms like Dhiraagu, the country’s primary telecommunications provider. Handing over control to a Dutch firm raises questions about long-term ownership and decision-making power. To align with the Maldives’ national interests, project agreements should ensure that the Maldivian government retains oversight and that local communities remain key stakeholders. Promoting community-led development and ensuring profits are reinvested locally could be essential for maximizing the project’s benefits while preserving national sovereignty.

A Model for Vulnerable Communities Worldwide

If successful, the Maldives’ floating city could serve as a blueprint for other vulnerable coastal regions, from Thailand to Panama. Floating infrastructure could provide sustainable housing and job opportunities for millions living in flood-prone areas, reducing poverty while enhancing climate resilience. Prioritizing local employment, education and health care access can potentially ensure that this initiative does more than just expand the infrastructure in the Maldives—it could build resilience and opportunity for the communities that need it most.

– Caspian Davies

Caspian is based in the UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Backpacking in Indonesia Can Help Reduce Poverty

How Backpacking in Indonesia Can Help Reduce PovertyThe widespread availability of international travel has allowed many young people to embark on extended trips known as backpacking. Backpacking gained popularity in the late 20th century with the establishment of the hippie trail, an overland route stretching from London to Pakistan. Travelers were drawn to its promise of tropical landscapes, freedom from drug restrictions and an escape from routine life. Nowadays, backpacking has become an unofficial rite of passage for many young travelers. Fortunately, a backpacking trip offers a life-changing experience and benefits the communities visited.

4 Ways Backpacking in Indonesia Can Help Fight Poverty

  1. Economic Impact. According to the United Nations (U.N.) World Tourism Agency, tourism contributes around 10% of global GDP. Additionally, tourism is recognized as the world’s largest voluntary transfer of wealth from wealthy to poorer populations. Tourism injects capital into local economies and drives development, particularly in low-income nations. Indonesia prioritizes tourism as part of its national development strategy. In regions where tourism dominates the economy, poverty rates are 1.5% to 3.4% lower compared to areas with less tourist activity. Furthermore, tourist spending boosts household income in both rural and urban Indonesia by up to 6%.
  2. Employment. Backpackers create jobs in the destinations they visit. Their presence in areas beyond conventional tourist hotspots stimulates demand for budget accommodations, traditional cuisine and nature-based activities such as rafting and trekking. These industries support labor-intensive employment, encourage gender inclusivity and promote local entrepreneurship. For example, in Ubud, a backpacker hub in Bali, street vendors and restaurants like Bu Mangku’s have capitalized on travelers’ demand for authentic Balinese cuisine. Selling popular dishes such as Betutu chicken has created jobs for local farmers, market vendors and restaurant staff. This illustrates the economic benefits of backpacker tourism. By favoring locally produced goods and services, backpackers help prevent economic leakage, discourage urban migration and reduce wealth inequality.
  3. Societal and Cultural Impacts. Backpackers tend to immerse themselves in local communities, fostering demand for authentic cultural experiences. This incentivizes the preservation of indigenous traditions. In Indonesia, particularly in Ubud, interest in cultural tourism has revived traditional performing arts such as Balinese Barong and Le Gong dances. This appreciation encourages younger generations to embrace their heritage while creating economic opportunities for performers and artisans.
  4. Mobilization and Awareness. While backpacking through Indonesia, travelers witness both the hospitality of locals and the stark poverty that exists in some regions. Awareness alone marks a step toward positive change. Backpackers are in a position to contribute, whether through supporting local businesses, volunteering or raising awareness. Traveling instills lasting values of gratitude, empathy and open-mindedness, fostering a sense of responsibility toward the communities that host them.

Looking Forward

Backpacking in Indonesia has the potential to support economic development, create jobs and promote cultural preservation. However, sustainable tourism requires responsible practices that prioritize community well-being. Ensuring that local populations remain key stakeholders in tourism initiatives is essential to maximizing the industry’s role in poverty alleviation. By making thoughtful travel choices, backpackers can potentially help ensure that their adventures contribute to a more equitable and prosperous future for the communities they visit.

– Ollie Roberts

Ollie is based in the UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty in Jamaica: The World Bank Renovates Kingston’s Waterfront

Poverty in jamaicaOn October 18, 2024, Jamaica’s government and the World Bank announced a $12 million investment to renovate Kingston’s Waterfront. The project aims to boost tourism, improve job accessibility and reduce poverty in Jamaica. This development is promising for Jamaica, where poverty in the area has made it challenging for many residents to sustain themselves.

The revitalized Waterfront has the potential to invigorate the local economy. Nigel Clarke, former Jamaica’s Minister of Finance and Public Service, commented: “This government is creating public spaces to serve the Jamaican people. This will revitalize downtown Kingston.”

The Timeline for Waterfront Renovations

Phases one and two of the Kingston Waterfront Improvement Project, known as KIWI, will run from 2024 to 2030. The project’s first phase will fund the creation of a multi-use park along Kingston’s waterfront. It will feature recreational amenities like bike paths, playgrounds, sports fields, street furniture and landscaped areas.

The second phase will “focus on the park’s construction, small-scale infrastructure works and urban upgrading.” The total amount that the budget covers for both phases is approximately $40 million. This large sum will work to reestablish Jamaica’s economy by its inherent benefit to the community. This could benefit around 700,000 Jamaicans by providing them with new job opportunities in the tourism sector, retail or small business booths in downtown Jamaica.

Kingston’s Waterfront Statistics and Employment Rate

In September 2022, Jamaica’s economic enrichment statistics from tourism indicate how urbanization of Kingston’s waterfront has the potential to further fortify its economy. Tourism keeps Jamaica involved in foreign commerce, building its independent value. Statistically, tourism in Jamaica directly employs 175,000 Jamaicans and indirectly employs around 354,000.

Professor Lloyd Webber highlighted tourism’s necessity in Jamaica by saying that consistent efforts must be made toward the Jamaican economy to maintain Jamaica’s status as a tourism hotspot. The Kingston Waterfront would do just that, building jobs, a more bustling economy and community cohesion, which would mitigate crime rates inherently.

Long-Term Jobs Create Long-Term Solutions for Islanders

While Jamaica is known as a bustling island nation, it faces significant socioeconomic challenges, including poverty and crime. According to the World Bank, approximately 17% of Jamaica’s population lives in poverty, with low-quality jobs leaving many Jamaicans vulnerable to economic shocks.

According to Graeme Young, “a Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow,” the lack of sustainable jobs makes it difficult for Jamaicans to afford nutritious food. Young argued that government policies fail to address the root issue: supply and demand. Young also highlighted Kingston’s primary challenges: low sales and insufficient customers.

Therefore, the renovation of Kingston’s Waterfront presents an opportunity to rebuild the economy, creating a vibrant, safe environment that benefits tourists and locals alike, whilst reducing poverty in Jamaica.

– Madeline Star Heintz

Madeline is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Poverty in Southeastern Turkey: A Brighter Future

A Brighter Future for the Southeastern Regions of TurkeyThe southeastern regions of Turkey face significant challenges as the poorest part of the country, struggling with underdevelopment and ethnic tensions. Recent developments, however, provide hope for a revitalized future in this historically rich area. The government plans to invest $14 billion in the region, a move aimed at reducing poverty and creating economic opportunities. Coupled with the normalization of relations with post-Assad Syria and Kurdish groups, this could transform the area and stimulate growth. This investment focuses on developing agricultural infrastructure to bolster the regional economy. Officials expect the initiative to create more than 500,000 jobs, offering a much-needed boost to local livelihoods.

Poverty in Southeastern Turkey and the GAP Project

Southeastern Anatolia ranks among Turkey’s regions with the lowest average income. Despite limited research on poverty in the region, existing studies indicate that conditions have seen little improvement since the early 2000s. The $14 billion investment aims to partially fund the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) with the hopes it can continue its construction of needed infrastructure.

The GAP project was launched in the 70s as a region-wide investment project to provide the energy and water infrastructure to support an economic boom. However, throughout its history, the project continues to falter in its aims of revitalization. With renewed government support, the region now has a chance to attract further investment and drive sustainable development.

Insights from Mardin

The city of Mardin illustrates many of the challenges facing southeastern Turkey. This ancient city, which dates back to the Neo-Assyrian period, highlights the region’s rich history and its socioeconomic struggles. Mardin suffers from one of the country’s highest relative at-risk-of-poverty rates at 14.4%.

In 2021, Dr. Nurdan Atalay conducted ethnographic research in Mardin, revealing how top-down financialization and investment strategies exacerbate economic inequality and limit employment opportunities for women. In her book chapter, she noted, “…the women in this neighborhood have very limited opportunities to change their position in society… The impending economic crisis has the potential to worsen their situation.”

Mardin also accommodates a large population of refugees who fled Syria’s civil war and the 2023 earthquakes. More than 88,000 Syrian refugees live in the city, contending with the trauma of displacement and the strain on local resources. Reports detail the economic burden that border cities faced during the Syrian conflict. With the end of Assad’s rule, many refugees now look toward a hopeful future and the possibility of returning home.

The Potential of Tourism

Neighboring political progress isn’t the only cause for optimism in southeastern Turkey. The tourism industry holds immense potential to reduce poverty in the region. This area, rich in historical monuments and natural beauty, stands poised for economic growth if supported by infrastructure and investment.

The 1982 Tourism Incentives Act excluded southeastern Turkey, denying the region the development needed for a thriving tourism sector. Despite this, cities like Mardin actively seek to expand their tourism potential. Research indicates that Mardin’s residents support tourism growth, which promises to benefit both urban and rural communities.

In 2023, Mardin welcomed nearly 650,000 tourists, reflecting the industry’s growing role in the local economy. By fostering tourism, southeastern Turkey can unlock new opportunities for sustainable development and cultural preservation.

A New Chapter for Southeastern Turkey

With the government’s $14 billion investment and the prospect of peace in Syria, poverty in southeastern Turkey faces a turning point. The region’s lack of infrastructure has long created a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment. This new funding and strategic focus could break that cycle, paving the way for meaningful progress and prosperity.

– Charley Dennis

Charley is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr