From 2020 to 2030, the United Nations declared both the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and the Decade of Ecosystem Restoration. Over that period, we have observed the increasing integration and multiple synergies between the global biodiversity, ocean and climate agendas, together with the co-benefits and synergies of actions for nature, communities and inclusive sustainable development.

As we continue to work to deliver on the promise of the 2030 Agenda, keep the 1.5°C goal alive under the Paris Agreement, stem and reverse biodiversity loss through the Montreal-Kunming Global Biodiversity Framework or fulfill the ambition of a healthy, rejuvenated global ocean that will surely be at the heart of UNOC 3 in 2025, we must continue to take concerted action, that brings tangible outcomes and demonstrates real impact. And islands are part of the solution.

More than one third (2.75 billion people) of the world’s population lives within 100km of the ocean. That figure rises to 70% of people living on the coast in the Caribbean and 90% within 1 km of the coast in the Pacific islands (excluding Papua New Guinea). Coastal and island populations are on the front lines of the triple planetary crisis of biodiversity loss, declining ocean health and the ongoing impacts of climate change. But beyond their inherent vulnerability, islands are catalysts for impact!

Islands and their populations are fabulous laboratories for scaleable solutions, innovative approaches and measurable outcomes that demonstrate the multisectoral benefits that holistic restoration efforts, integrating science-based biodiversity action, ocean action and climate action alongside genuine community engagement and quality partnerships, can bring. Island restoration can help meet national, regional and international biodiversity, ocean, climate and sustainability targets. Action on islands can help demonstrate to the rest of the world that restoration works, that we can remove invasive species, avoid extinctions, accelerate the recovery and strengthen the resilience of invaluable land and marine ecosystems and enhance the lives and livelihoods of communities who live on islands or for whom islands are a source of food security, economic development, cultural integrity and identity.

Therefore, as we look to the future, let us take this opportunity to raise global ambition for islands and ecosystems, to amplifying the voice of island populations, to develop and showcase solutions and, above all, to demonstrate outcomes. Join us in the call for a UN sanctioned Decade of Island Resilience with the theme “Islands for impact” and help create both a new convening framework and a platform for ambitious partnerships and concrete action to truly harness the potential of holistic island restoration for nature, oceans and people worldwide.