Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Island Issues

Asia: Pakistan’s Controversial Sale of Islands for World’s Tallest Building

A pair of Pakistan’s islands in the Arabian Sea has reportedly been sold for the dramatic development of a modern city, which will include the tallest building on earth.

(Image of Bundal Island by A. Rafey)

When it comes to real estate development, projects from flashy Miami are not exactly …Read More: Asia: Pakistan’s Controversial Sale of Islands for World’s Tallest Building

Island Issues

USA: Plans for Belle Isle “Free Economic Zone” Gather Support

In the economically depressed state of Michigan, proposals to turn a large island park into a tax-free haven have been surprisingly popular, if controversial.

(Creative Commons aerial of Belle Isle)

The debate over what should be done with Belle Isle – a vast city park in Michigan’s Detroit River – has …Read More: USA: Plans for Belle Isle “Free Economic Zone” Gather Support

Breaking Island News

USA: The Bizarre Battle for South Florida’s Wisteria Island

A small island in Key West Harbor has been the subject of a highly unusual fight between the island’s owners, a group of local residents, and the United States government.

(Image of Wisteria from the State Archives of Florida)

When it comes to thwarting development on privately-owned islands, few …Read More: USA: The Bizarre Battle Over South Florida’s Wisteria Island

Island Issues

Africa: Ownership of Luxury Lupita Island Resort Stirs Controversy

Decades after the development of a luxurious lodge on one of Tanzania’s Lupita Islands, the country’s government is claiming that the islands were not legally sold.

(Lupita Island, Tanzania)

It’s every private island owner’s nightmare: discovering that their paradise isle …Read More: Africa: Ownership of Luxury Lupita Island Resort Stirs Controversy

Governments buying Islands

Asia: The Story Behind the Disputed Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands

Leaving aside the politics of Asia’s most hotly contested island territory, just what are the essential facts to know about this small group of privately-owned isles?

(The remote East China Sea islands)

To the Chinese, they are the Diaoyu Islands, while the Japanese have long regarded them …Read More: Asia: The Story Behind the Disputed Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands

Island Issues

South America: Illegal Mansions Sprout on Public Islands in Brazil

Brazil’s coastline is renowned for its gorgeous tropical islands, most of which are part of national parks. This has not stopped some wealthy elites from taking them over and building luxurious holiday homes, however.

(Illegal mansion on Cavala Island)

A controversy is brewing in Brazil over the revelation that …Read More: South America: Illegal Mansions Sprout on Public Islands in Brazil

Island Issues

Bahamas: Aga Khan's Plan for Bell Island Stirs Eco-Controversy

With a controversial development in a national park, a debate is brewing in the Bahamas over whether privilege trumps protecting the environment.

(Bell Island Image Copyright F. Vladi)

The Bahamas may have a reputation as a laid-back island chain where the world’s elite can come and go with relative …Read More: Bahamas: Aga Khan’s Plan for Bell Island Stirs Eco-Controversy

Breaking Island News

UPDATE: Island Resorts Breath Sigh of Relief in Maldives

In a surprisingly quick turnaround, the government of the Maldives has rescinded a potentially economically-crippling ban on the operation of spas.

(The Four Seasons Kuda Huraa)

On December 27th, it was widely reported, including in Private Island News, that after a shocking decree from the President of the …Read More: UPDATE: Island Resorts Breath Sigh of Relief in Maldives