Decade of Island Resilience

Islands don’t always get the spotlight they deserve.

We’re trying to change that.

We’re calling for a United Nations Decade of Island Resilience to shine a light on some of the planet’s most vulnerable and invaluable ecosystems.

The Decade of Island Resilience

Islands are biodiversity hotspots and hope spots for the planet.

Our call builds on the momentum of the UN Decade of Ocean Science and the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, integrating island ecosystems into the world’s most ambitious environmental strategies.

The Resolution Concept Note

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rainbow over town in South Georgia Island. Photo by Island Conservation

Why now?

Because islands are critical to the health of our planet and to billions of people worldwide.

Over one-third of the world’s population lives within 100km of the ocean, with staggering concentrations in places like the Caribbean and the Pacific.

These communities are on the front lines of climate change, biodiversity loss, and declining ocean health—but they are also incredibly resilient. 

Why Islands Matter

And Why Islands?

Holistically restored islands are a high-impact, nature-based solution to stem and reverse biodiversity loss, enhance ocean health, strengthen climate resilience, and improve community wellbeing.

These restored island-ocean ecosystems also capture millions of metric tons of carbon every year, bolster food security, and promote the recovery of coral reefs.

Why Islands Matter

 

 

 

Islands are natural laboratories for scalable conservation strategies, where science-based biodiversity restoration, ocean action, and climate resilience can be tested, perfected, and expanded globally.

Their immense potential for impact means they deserve the world’s attention.

 

 

 

Islands for Impact

Under the theme “Islands for Impact,” the initiative would:

  • Establish a global framework for island conservation, encouraging ambitious partnerships and real action. 
  • Prioritize restoration efforts like invasive species removal, protection of native biodiversity, and community-led conservation. 
  • Drive science-based solutions to preserve ecosystems, fight climate change, and revitalize ocean health. 
  • Strengthen global commitments to biodiversity protection, sustainable development, and resilience-building for future generations. 

By championing this effort for a United Nations Decade of Island Resilience, we can elevate the role of islands in the world’s environmental strategy and unlock new funding, research, and policy solutions to protect these crucial ecosystems. Join us in our call to save islands—and, in so doing, creating a healthier, more sustainable future for the planet through bold, unified action!

Cameron Diver
Vice President, Conservation Programs

Support the initiative

Follow along by joining our newsletter, and support the call for a UN Decade of Island Resilience by making a donation today!

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Islands are resilient

Read about the recovery we’ve seen firsthand at Island Conservation on islands around the world.

2025 update

We have great news coming out of the World Conservation Congress in 2025.

The motion was adopted and is moving through the official IUCN process with 767 affirmative votes.