August 25, 2026
Fungi Connectors Underground: What Palmyra Atoll Is Teaching Us About How Island Ecosystems Recover
A new study reveals the role fungi play in the restoration and recovery of rare, resilient atoll ecosystems!
Your antidote to hopelessness.
Scroll for the remedy.
2026 AT A GLANCE
20
Ecosystem recovery actions completed
17
Restoration sites
75+
Islands monitored with satellite technology
250+
Local community members building conservation skills and sharing knowledge
50%
Increase in monitoring efficiency
30+
Papers co-authored by staff
This year, together with island communities, partners, and donors, we restored habitats, removed damaging invasive species, protected islands and the ocean, and brought back native and at-risk wildlife across 20 island ecosystems.
The result of these actions? Improved livelihoods, stronger climate resilience, bolstered food and economic security, enhanced ocean health, species protected that were on the brink of collapse, and incredible transformations from ecosystems in decline to stories of hope.
Our global impact
We teamed up with National Geographic photographer Andy Mann to create our latest short film about our work.
Leading the way with new technology
Our Innovation Team is helping conservationists do more with less in remote island environments.
This year, we developed and installed the Smart Islands Monitoring System on Floreana Island, Galápagos, combining AI-enabled cameras, long-range connectivity, wildlife tracking, and real-time data to speed up decisions. We also advanced heavy-lift drone tools on Niulakita Island, Tuvalu, making restoration possible where conventional methods are too costly, difficult, or impossible.
Island Conservation Island Restoration Specialist, Cozette, with the Niulakita community in Tuvalu.
Island Restoration Storytellers Circle
The most powerful stories about islands come from the people who know them best.
This year, we launched the Island Restoration Storytellers Circle to amplify voices from island communities engaged in restoration. So far, seven Storytellers have joined the circle to share their own words on what connects healthy islands, thriving communities, and resilient oceans.
Meet the Storytellers
Islands matter not only because they safeguard a natural heritage unlike any other on Earth, but also because they are home to hardworking people, hopeful families, and resilient communities who build their future day by day with dedication and courage.
Verónica Jimena Mora Flores
Floreana Island, Galápagos
BEFORE AND AFTER
What difference can just 7 months make?
Nu’utele Island is home to one of the last native forests in Samoa, but in 2025 we saw a degraded ecosystem with accelerating erosion due to the impacts of invasive species. In 2026, just seven months after restoration, we saw big changes. The forest is coming back to life, with booming native plants that are now stabilizing the soil and preventing erosion.
Use the slider to move between September 2025 and April 2026.
The science driving action
Our work is rooted in science, and our team is the force driving it forward. Alongside our partners, we’re building a growing body of research and evidence for how island restoration benefits nature, climate, and communities, turning new knowledge into more effective conservation.
July 2, 2026
How Better Biosecurity Could Save $12 Billion Across US Islands
Invasive species have caused over $12 billion in damages to island ecosystems, creating an urgent need for strengthened biosecurity measures!
June 8, 2026
Ulong Island, Palau Study Shows First‑Ever Evidence of Seabird‑Driven Land-Sea Recovery
A world-first controlled experiment shows connection between seabird activity and marine health on Ulong Island!
January 22, 2026
The Circular Seabird Economy is Critical for Oceans, Islands and People
Our Senior Director of Impact & Innovation, David Will, explains the importance of the Circular Seabird Economy for nutrient transfer!
December 4, 2025
New Science: Seabirds on Restored Islands Boost Coral Reef Health
A new study reveals how seabirds, connector species between land and sea, play a huge role in the health of coral reefs!
November 25, 2025
New Research Sheds Light on Invasive Species’ Role in Rapa Nui’s Ecological History
A new scientific paper is changing the way we understand Rapa Nui (Easter Island)'s ecological history!
October 26, 2025
Global Study Reveals Seabirds as Critical Connectors Between Islands, the Ocean, and People
A new study shows the power of seabirds to drive entire ecosystems by circulating nutrients between land and sea!
Island-Ocean Connection Challenge
In 2022, we launched the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC) campaign to restore and rewild 40 globally significant island-ocean ecosystems by 2030. This year, we expanded its reach, welcoming 5 new projects and growing to 27 islands across the Pacific, Atlantic, Caribbean, and Mediterranean.
Ecosystem recovery is already emerging at IOCC restoration sites. Manx Shearwaters bred on Rathlin Island in Northern Ireland for the first time in decades, while Ulong Island, Palau’s landmark study documented the first-ever evidence of seabird-driven land-sea recovery.
Financials
Together, we’re putting your generosity to work where restoration is needed most. With 81% of our budget dedicated to conservation programs, we’re advancing island restoration worldwide and scaling approaches that deliver lasting results.
Our commitment to financial health, accountability, and transparency has earned Island Conservation another four-star rating from Charity Navigator. Growing our Endowment Legacy Fund strengthens that foundation for generations to come.
Interested in leaving a legacy for nature, the ocean, and people? Explore our Gift Planning Guide to learn how you can join the Islands Forever Society.
Thank you to our inaugural Islands Forever Society members: Amy Belledin, Scott and Vicki Fields, Floyd and Brenda Goolsby, Alice Hoffman, Euan Kennedy, Richard and Nancy Mack, J. Bailey Smith and Trudi Green Smith, and James Torgerson
Donor Partners
Every accomplishment in this report belongs to our supporters. Thank you to everyone who was part of our collective mission this past year. You made a real difference for the planet, and we hope you’re as proud of these results as we are.
*Board of Directors | **Advisory Council | ***Staff Member
- Aaron Davies
- Aaron Maizlish and Judith Ikle
- Adrien Thrum
- Adrienne Skinner
- Alejandro Ortiz Libran
- Alex Clark
- Alexander and Carol Vietor
- Alexander Foundation
- Alexander Wolstenholme
- Allison Henke
- Amanda Royal
- American Bird Conservancy
- Andrea McIntosh
- Andresen Giving Fund
- Andrew Joncus
- Andrew Krulewitz
- Andrew Stein
- Ann Waterman
- Annsley March
- Anonymous Donors (38)
- Anthony Brake and Yvonne McHugh
- Apple
- April Thanhauser
- Aron Herba
- Aubrey Valentine Cloud
- Auckland Council
- Audrey Newman
- Avery Amerson
- Avery Faller
- Barry Brezan
- Bell Laboratories, Inc.
- Ben Goldsmith**
- Birdlife International Pacific
- Blanca Diaz Alejandro***
- Blue Action Fund
- Blue Nature Alliance
- Bobbie Mayer
- Boeing
- Bonfire Funds, Inc
- Brenda Richmond
- Brenna Ram***
- Breton Fischetti*
- Brian Flagstad
- Brian Jones
- Brionna Belcher
- Bruce Boyd
- Bruce Weissgold
- CA Foundation on behalf of Jack and Carolyn Long
- Cabin Fund at the Santa Fe Community Foundation
- Caleb Stephenson
- Camryn Cooper
- Caren Loebel-Fried and Neil Fried
- Carla and David Crane Foundation of the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund
- Carol and Clark Mitchel
- Carole Childs
- Cecil Lim
- Chad Hanson
- Chai Blair-Stahn
- Chalten Fund
- Charles and Yvonne Richards
- Charles Delph
- Charter Oak Federal Credit Union
- Chevron
- Chris Kirkland
- Chris McCrum
- Christa McLeod
- Christian De Hoyos
- Christina Peatrowsky
- Christine Fischetti
- Christine Lushbaugh
- Conservation International
- Corey Duncan
- Corey Raffel
- Cristobal Lagos Jimenez
- Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund
- Dale Hensley
- Daniel Richards
- Darian Woods and Giselly Mejía Zapata
- Darwin Initiative
- Dave Hilliard
- Dave Kwinter
- David and Christine Tung
- David Bogosian
- David Gagne
- David Julian
- David Lemon
- David McCoy
- David* and Barbara Meline
- Dawson Family Fund
- Deborah B Brown
- Deepwater Horizon Open Ocean Natural Resource Damage Assessment
- Denis De Ceuster and Jane Manning
- Dennis L Pearson
- Diana Moore
- Diana Yang
- Diane Taska Hamachi
- Dierdre Sheerr-Gross
- Division of Forestry and Wildlife – Hawaii
- Doria Gordon*
- Douglas Levison
- Douglas W. Feltz
- Dr. Christopher Overall
- Dr. Daniel Simberloff and Mary Tebo
- Dr. David Weissman
- Dr. David Zippin
- Dr. Gordon Burghardt
- Dr. Hilary Swain
- Dr. John and Mary Wegmann
- Eilidh Hall
- Elaine Bernstein
- Ella Mitchell
- Ellen Scepansky
- Ellis Abbema
- Elyse Marzolf
- Emily Geiger
- Emily Winnall
- Emmett Foundation
- Eric Cleveland
- Eric Huang
- Eric Liftin
- Eric Spagnoli
- Ethan Andersen
- Evelyn and Thomas Steiner
- Eydís Björk Einarsdóttir
- F R Schaer
- F.D. Wasterval
- Federico Coppo
- Fiduciary Trust International
- Flying Squirrel Fund
- Fondation Franklinia
- Fondation Segre
- Fondo Naturaleza Chile
- Frank Borkham
- Franklin Templeton
- Frans Lanting and Christine Eckstrom
- French Foundation
- Friends of Virgin Islands National Park
- Fundacion Jocotoco
- G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation
- Galapagos Conservation Trust
- Gavin Shire
- Gibson Reynolds
- Gina Salgado
- Ginger and Carlos Iglesias
- Glen Tepke
- Glenn DeVan
- Global Environment Facility
- Global Rewilding Alliance
- Gordon Hardman
- Government of the Virgin Islands – Department of Planning and Natural Resources
- Graeme Trevayne
- Grainger
- Great Barrier Reef Foundation
- Greensboro Science Center
- Gregory Pearson
- Gregory Schoolfield
- Gretel Ehrlich
- Harold Howell
- Haveli Investments LP
- Heath Packard***
- Heidi Kearns
- Henry Vandervelde
- Heppel Family Fund
- Herrmann York Wine
- Hoenigman Family Foundation
- Holbrook R. & Sarah M. Davis Foundation, Inc.
- Hyman Legacy Fund
- Ian Lendler
- Ingrid Parker
- International Climate Initiative
- Irving Decatur and Cecile DeRouin
- Ivona Vajdova
- Jack and Rikki Swenson
- Jack Craw
- Jacob Abel
- Jaideep Khanna
- James Friar
- James Gibbs*
- James Grant
- James Letts
- James Michael Eros
- James Torgerson*
- Jana Rybanska
- Jane Condon
- Janell Hillman
- Janet Eyre
- Jason Chan
- Jason Preble
- Jay and Trudi Smith
- Jeffrey Niwa
- Jennifer Rycenga
- Jennifer Sachs***
- Jennifer Speers
- Jennifer Steele* and Jonathan Hoekstra
- Jeremy Miles
- Jeremy Taylor
- Jerry Yu
- JJ Month
- Joan Slottow
- Joanne Shipley
- Joel Herr
- Johanna Dawes
- Johannes Foufopoulos
- John Bergeron
- John Brodie
- John Deere
- John Fiege
- John Thibault
- John Tuxill
- Jonathan Franzen** and Kathryn Chetkovich
- Jose L Herrera Giraldo***
- Joseph Morlan
- Joseph Schmidt
- Joy Elaine Rosner
- Joyce and Brian Bender
- Joyce Warriner
- Judith McDowall
- Julie Astor
- Julie Sullivan***
- June Yong Siew Choo
- Kairos Philanthropy
- Karthik Handady
- Kate Brown-Vitolio*
- Kate Faulkner
- Katherine Kane
- Kathleen Early
- Kathy Sandifer
- Kathy Shimata
- Kay Lambert
- Kayne Anderson Foundation
- Kel Christensen
- Kenneth Ekelund
- Kenneth Korb
- Kenneth Kunze
- Kevin and Sabrina McDonald Family Fund
- Key Bank
- Kindness Initiative
- Kirk Elwell
- Krista Kostansek
- Kristen Blume
- Kristen Starr
- Kristine Bisgard
- Kyle Richardson
- Laird Vanetta
- Lane Farrar
- Larisa Stephan
- Laura Donahue
- Lauren Dykman
- Lauren Sehea
- Laurent Pilet
- Lenovo Group Limited
- Leslie and Dan Carlson
- LGA Family Foundation
- Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund
- Luke Drewry
- Luke Perkins
- Lyda Hill Philanthropies
- Lydia Garvey
- Lynne Hale*
- Mackinnon Family Charitable Foundation
- Madeleine Pott***
- Maeve Palmer
- Makenna Fong
- March Conservation Fund
- Margie Kim* & Adolfo Bermeo
- Mario Fischetti
- Mario Garcia Armas
- Marisla Foundation
- Mark Foxx
- Mark Grantham
- Mark Shwartz
- Martha and Gregg Raber
- Mary Kleinschmidt
- Mashuri Waite
- Maurice Robichaux
- Meg Caldwell*
- Meghan Chartres
- Melinda Hepp
- Michael Akresh
- Michael Christopher
- Michael Forwood
- Michael Kolodziej
- Michael Puente
- Mike Chu
- Mike Pondsmith
- Milkweed Foundation
- Minderoo Foundation
- Ministerio del Medio Ambiente (Chile)
- Monte Tudor-Long
- Moore Futures Fund
- Municipio de Algarrobo (Chile)
- N1234
- Nancy Coe
- Natalie Owings
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- National Environment Service (Cook Islands)
- National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Pelagic Bird Fund
- National Geographic Society
- New Zealand Consulate-General, Hawaii
- New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Nian Guang Lee
- Nicholas Graham
- Nick DiLallo
- Nicolas Kalecheff
- Noa Britto
- Noah Lipshutz
- Nolan Hayden
- Noreen Fertig
- Nova Scotia Nature Trust
- Oliver Glenister
- Open Door Foundation
- Oracle
- Patrick Healy
- Patrick Horan
- Patrick Reynolds
- Paul Angell Foundation
- Paul Heiple
- Paul Sanfilippo
- PayPal Giving Fund
- Penelope Packard
- Penny Becker
- Peter Boerma
- Peter Marra
- Peter Rigsbee
- Peter Schuyler
- Pfizer
- Philip and Beverly Cleary
- Philip and Marsha Dowd Family Fund at the Chicago Community Foundation
- Pine River Foundation
- Ping Ren
- Pledge Foundation at The Giving Back Fund
- Pockets – A Family Foundation
- Prasann Patel
- Pristine Seas
- Qianya Liu
- Rachel Mikulecky
- Radhika* and Ambarish Malpani Foundation Inc.
- Re:wild
- Rebecca and David Perry
- Rebecca Rubinson
- Rene Donaldson
- Renna Ulvang
- Richard and Nancy Mack
- Richard Levi
- Richard Spotts
- Richard Yosas
- Robert Martin
- Robert Mulvihill
- Robert Patrick
- Robert Runnells
- Robert W Stewart
- Robin Spring
- Rod Tracey
- Rodney Brown
- Roger Barnes
- Roman Bodinek
- Ronald Jumeau*
- Ronald Unrau
- Sally Reinholdt
- Sam F Stoeltje
- Sameer Malhotra
- Samuel Denton
- Sandra Less
- Sandrea Friedman
- Sarah Esposito***
- Saskia Janes
- Scorpio Rising Fund
- Scott and Vicki Fields
- Scott Sherman
- Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme
- Sergio Soria
- Shannon Murray
- Shawn Zack
- Shelley Edwards
- Stafford Marquardt
- Stephen and Britt Thal
- Stephen Strachan
- Steve Altman
- Steven Alexander
- Steven Haddock
- Steven Reneau
- Stewart Brand and Ryan Phelan**
- Su Sinclair
- Susan Hawkins
- Susan Packard Orr
- Suzanne Olson
- Teagan Wilmot
- Ted Haffner** Family Fund at the Chicago Community Foundation
- Ted Shen
- Teri and Thomas Evons
- Texas Instruments Foundation
- The Ariowitsch Family Foundation
- The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
- The Jach Charitable Fund**
- The Katherine* and Peter Dolan Family Foundation
- The McGreevy and Winer Family Fund
- The Nature Conservancy
- The Nature Conservancy – Micronesia
- The Poha Fund
- The Repass Rodgers Family
- The Sanders/Boysen Charity Fund
- The Wanderlust Fund
- Thomas Proctor
- Thomas Weber & Stephanie Reib
- Timothy and Eliza Earle
- Todd Christenson
- Tom Chau
- Tom Mason
- Tony Henderson
- Tony Stayner and Beth Cross
- U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Southeast Region 4
- United States Air Force
- US Army Corps of Engineers
- US Department of Agriculture – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
- US Fish and Wildlife Service – Alaska Region 7
- USFWS – Northeast (Region 5)
- USFWS – Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office
- Vanderpoel Conservation Foundation
- Virginia Carter*
- Waarts VOF
- Wai-Ming Lai
- Warren and Barbara King
- Wendy and Doug Robbins
- White Buffalo, Inc.
- Wiley Family Charitable Fund
- William Cox
- William Delveaux
- William Haffner Foundation Fund
- Winkler Family Foundation
- Wolf Creek Charitable Foundation
- Yahoo
- Yang Wang
- Yosef Robinson
Sea of Islands Donor Circle
We would like to thank and acknowledge our inaugural Sea of Islands Circle members. These members, like the network of islands that inspired the name, reflect the power of individuals coming together to create something far greater than any one of us could accomplish alone.
*Board of Directors | **Advisory Council
- Alexander Foundation
- Anonymous Donors (2)
- CA Foundation on behalf of Jack and Carolyn Long
- Carla and David Crane Foundation of the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund
- David* and Barbara Meline
- Dawson Family Fund
- Fondation Franklinia
- Fondation Segre
- G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation
- Global Rewilding Alliance
- Great Barrier Reef Foundation
- Haveli Investments LP
- James Grant
- James Torgerson*
- Jennifer Speers
- Kairos Philanthropy
- LGA Family Foundation
- Lyda Hill Philanthropies
- March Conservation Fund
- Marisla Foundation
- Milkweed Foundation
- Minderoo Foundation
- National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Pelagic Bird Fund
- National Geographic Society
- Open Door Foundation
- Paul Angell Foundation
- Philip and Marsha Dowd Family Fund at the Chicago Community Foundation
- Scorpio Rising Fund
- Susan Packard Orr
- Ted Haffner** Family Fund at the Chicago Community Foundation
- The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
- The Poha Fund
- Virginia Carter*
- Wiley Family Charitable Fund
- William Haffner Foundation Fund
- Winkler Family Foundation
- Wolf Creek Charitable Foundation
Volunteer Program
The members of our Board of Directors and Advisory Council contribute their time, share their expertise, help fund our programs, and bring others into this work because they believe in what we can accomplish together.
Much of that commitment happens behind the scenes but is part of every success celebrated in this report. We are deeply grateful for their generosity that strengthens our organization, opens doors, and helps guide our work forward.
In a day and age where change is so slow, there’s almost immediate gratification in Island Conservation’s work. That’s super cool and really intriguing—in a world that needs immediate impact.
Ted Haffner
Island Conservation Advisory Council Member
There's power in partnership
Our impact is rooted in partnership. Working with more than 200 institutional partners, including community organizations, governments, and conservation groups, we bring together people, resources, and shared knowledge to advance restoration efforts that are grounded in local leadership.
We are grateful for the commitment, collaboration, and support that expand what we can accomplish together.
Meet the team
Behind every result in this report are people who bring their skills, time, and determination to our mission every day. Across islands, offices, and time zones, our global team of staff and volunteers turn a shared vision into impact.
Thank you to our team for the perseverance and heart they bring to restoring islands every day.
Dear Island Conservation Friends,
Together this year, we completed 20 ecosystem recovery actions across 17 sites, partnering with communities around the world to advance conservation solutions that are protecting biodiversity while strengthening climate resilience. Of equal importance, we demonstrated again and again that positive change is possible.
Floreana Giant Tortoise.
Photo By Carlos Espinosa.
As 2026 winds down, we want to express our gratitude for your support. We hope seeing the full scope of what we accomplished together makes you feel as proud as we do.
Every success it documents was achieved thanks to the commitment and generosity of supporters like you.
At a time when headlines about biodiversity loss and climate change can feel overwhelming, the stories in this report offer something increasingly valuable: proof that conservation works, recovery is possible, and your investment in hope matters.
Community members enjoying the beach on Niulakita Island in Tuvalu.
Thank you for being part of this work and believing, alongside us, that a future where both people and nature can thrive is possible.
With gratitude,
DR. PENNY BECKER
Chief Executive Officer
LYNNE ZEITLIN HALE
Board of Directors Chair
Verónica Jimena Mora Flores
Verónica Mora is a community member, resident, and President of the Parish Council (GAD Parroquial) of Floreana Island in the Galápagos.
Sebastián Yancovic Pakarati
Sebastián Yancovic Pakarati is part of the Rapa Nui community in Polynesia, he has a Master’s degree in Natural Protected Areas. Is a member of the Chilean committee of the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA). Since 2014 is a member of the Advisory Council of National Monuments in Rapa Nui and represents that institution in the monitoring committee for the construction of the new museum. He has been leading conservation processes on the island for the last 14 years, highlighting his participation in the Ma’u Henua proposals (which allowed the Rapa Nui community to have the administration of 43% of the territory through the Rapa Nui National Park) and from 2014 working and promoting the creation of the Rapa Nui MPA. Since 2022, he has been elected in an indigenous referendum to be part of Koro Nui o te Vaikava to manage the Marine Protected Areas, which includes Motu Motiro Hiva Marine Park, the Marine Coastal Protected Area of Multiple Uses Rapa Nui, and Motu Tautara, Coral Nui Nui and Hanga o Teo Underwater Parks. These units make up Te Moana Tapu a Hotu Matu’a, a marine area for conservation, sustainable and traditional use for present and future generations in Rapa Nui. He has published various scientific articles on different topics related to his island. Today, he is writing his second book Rapa Nui Birds and coordinating the cultural chapter for the creation of one of the first high seas MPAs (BBNJ), called Salas & Gomez and Nazca Ridges: Honga’a o te Moana Nui.
John B. Rulmal Jr., Magul
My name is John B. Rulmal Jr., Magul—my traditional Ulithian name—and I’m from Ulithi Atoll. I work with elders, youth, and community partners as a steward of our shared values, seas, and lands, supporting island-led development and long-term resilience across Ulithi and Yap’s Outer Islands.
Lucy Pedro
Lucy Pedro is from Dongosaro island. Currently, she is the Governor of Sonsorol State, Palau. While working with the state for over three decades, Lucy has worked with several organizations in her community in preserving their identity, inspiring pride in their tradition and culture, and motivating future generations.
Kaipo "Mwareholumaho" Recheungel
Kaipo “Mwareholumaho” Recheungel is an aspiring entrepreneur, and his personal goal is to revive traditional practices in his community. His small business, Road Runner Palau, was established in 2017 to provide labor work in logistics and yard clearing. He is also a presiding officer for the Sonsorol Mens Association, which started in 2016 for the purpose of serving the environmental, social, and cultural needs of the community. Kaipo was also elected to be a Municipal Magistrate for the island of Melieli.
Julio Chamorro Solis
Julio Chamorro Solis is President of the Local Management Council for the Marine Protected Areas of the Juan Fernández Archipelago and Desventuradas Islands in Chile.
Francine Elisaia
Francine Elisaia is from Samoa and currently works at Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC), leading the organisation’s communications and media. She brings extensive experience and expertise in environmental science, communications, conservation biology and ecology, and journalism. Her work with the Government of Samoa’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and with Conservation International provided her with hands-on fieldwork experience and a deep affinity for the land and water. Her role at PISFCC has further fueled her fight for climate justice, where she works alongside many great individuals in the movement.
Francine’s early exposure to climate and environmental justice, coupled with her deep-rooted pride in being a Pacific Islander, sparked her passion to advocate not just for Samoa, but for the entire Pacific region. She works to bring young Pacific voices not only to the table, but into the inception, development, and implementation of climate and environmental solutions.