If you’ve ever been to an island, you know first-hand that things work a little (or a lot) differently there. Amazing plants, animals, and people make islands feel special. But what makes these beautiful and unique island ecosystems so important for the planet?

1. Islands are biodiversity hotspots and home to rare species.

Despite accounting for only 5% of the planet’s land area, Islands are home to 20% of all bird, reptile, and plant species, many of which are unlike any others and found nowhere else in the world. Because isolation is a driver of speciation, island species display an astonishing variety of traits. Biodiversity, or the number of different species in a certain area, bolsters ecosystem resilience and is a key component of the intrigue and beauty of nature.

2. Islands are sea level indicators and conservation frontiers.

Islands are sentinels for sea level change. Because of their small size and often remote locations, the consequences of sea level rise manifest quickly on islands. Because the stakes are so high and the consequences of sea level rise so great on small land masses, many island nations have become leaders and activists in conservation and climate change issues. Though these issues are particularly urgent on islands, their consequences are worldwide. Islanders, who understand the danger of climate change perhaps better than anyone else, are leading the way in protecting the globe. Healthy near-shore ecosystems are essential to helping islands maintain their precious shorelines, protecting them from extreme weather events and flooding.

3. Islands are rest stops and nesting sites for birds.

What would happen to all the migratory birds if they didn’t have islands to rest and nest on? Islands are critically important land masses for birds that fly long distances over the open ocean. Without these safe rest stops and nesting sites, migration and procreation would be impossible. And these seabirds support islands, too, by bringing key nutrients to the soil in their guano. Nutrient-rich soil runs off into near-shore ecosystems, building healthier coastlines!

4. Island ecosystems support people.

Islands house over 600 million people worldwide. Island communities are dependent on healthy islands for survival. Rich and unique island culture, tradition, and history further enrich these already beautiful places. A healthy ecosystem means a healthy community!

5. Island ecosystems are key foundations for coral reef ecosystems.

Wherever there is a land mass in the open ocean, ocean circulation patterns change. Nutrients from the deeper, colder water rise up to the surface, creating the conditions for sea life to thrive. This is known as the Island Mass Effect. The island land mass facilitates the development of coral reefs in its surrounding waters. These calcium carbonate kingdoms are home to thousands–over 25%–of marine species.

Support an organization that supports islands!

At Island Conservation, we are keenly attuned to the importance of island ecosystems and the multiple benefits of restoring and rewilding them for nature and people. As the only international organization focusing exclusively on islands, our work with local communities and organizations has been key to elevating the profile of islands in the conservation world. Do you want to be a part of restoring, protecting, and rewilding islands? Check out how your support can make a difference!