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!

Join our newsletter
Make a contribution

Islands are resilient

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

November 12, 2024

Endangered Birds Return to Kamaka for First Time in 100+ Years!

Endangered Polynesian storm-petrels returning to Kamaka Island, French Polynesia within one month of social attraction tools being deployed.   Polynesian storm-petrels have not been recorded on Kamaka Island for over 100 years due to invasive rats. These seabirds are able…

March 25, 2024

Island restoration and the vital role of connector species

Penny Becker, Island Conservation’s Vice President of Conservation, wrote an article about connector species that was recently featured by our partners at Galapagos Conservation Trust. Her groundbreaking research has helped uncover the vital connections between land and sea, sparking a…

March 18, 2024

Thirty, Birdy and Thriving

Island Conservation turns 30! Three decades of work add up to an immeasurable number of positive impacts.

Restoring Seabird Populations and Coral Reef Resilience

January 18, 2024

Restoring Seabird Populations and Coral Reef Resilience 

As climate change continues to threaten coral reefs globally, a recent study published in Science sheds light on a natural ally in the fight for reef resilience: seabirds. The connection between seabird-derived nutrient subsidies, invasive species, and coral recovery holds…