New Paper Shows Invasive Species Removal is a Nature-Based Solution for Climate Resilience
Island Conservation and partners have published a new paper quantifying ecosystem resilience on restored islands!
Our 2024 Impact
A year of connection, innovation, and transformation.
As we close our 30th year, we reflect on the remarkable progress we’ve made with our partners and supporters. Together, we’ve recovered unique island species, benefited oceans and island communities, and built climate resilience. In 2024, we launched a new Strategic Vision focused on maximizing the many benefits of island restoration for nature and people, advancing and mainstreaming innovative methods, and working alongside communities around the world to reach our shared goals. We’re proud to share that the past year produced incredible results for island ecosystems and the people who depend on them.
Read on to learn more.
As Island Conservation’s new CEO, I’m thrilled to share the impact your partnership and support has enabled in 2024. Thanks to you, we’ve made incredible strides for nature and island communities worldwide.
Dr. Penny Becker
Chief Executive Officer
Read the full letter from our CEO, Dr. Penny Becker.
The Ripple Effect of Restoring Island Ecosystems
Islands are at the forefront of many of our world’s most pressing environmental crises: biodiversity loss, failing marine health, and climate change impacts.
And, a lot is on the line.
Islands are home to 11% of the world’s population and are biodiversity hotspots, containing 20% of the planet’s species. In fact, of all identified plants, 22% are found only on islands. Positioned at the intersection of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, islands are uniquely situated to support coral reefs—home to 25% of all marine life.
Isolation and interconnectedness may make islands vulnerable, but more than that, it makes them incredibly resilient. Restoring islands has a ripple effect, benefiting both terrestrial and marine life while supporting the human communities and cultures that call these places home. As climate change intensifies, islands stand as both a frontline in the battle to protect biodiversity and a critical source of nature-based solutions for the planet’s future.
What does real, tangible impact look like?
Check out these success stories from all corners of the world to find out.
Help us increase our impact
Make a one-time donation to create immediate impact, or become a monthly supporter to drive lasting change for islands and communities. Join us in creating a healthier planet – every donation makes a difference.
Our Conservation Strategies at Work
In 2024, we developed new Conservation Strategies through our 2024 – 2028 Strategic Vision.
These strategies ensure our work is addressing the urgent climate change, biodiversity, extinction, and ocean health crises. They stem from the knowledge that innovation leads to progressive action.
Here are a few examples of our past and current projects that show these strategies at work.
ACCELERATING RECOVERY
Endangered seabirds return to Kamaka Island for the first time in 100 years after social attraction efforts.
AMPLIFYING MULTIPLE BENEFITS
The restoration of a gardening island safeguards biodiversity and ensures food security.
FOSTERING INNOVATION
Nature flourishes after first-ever successful drone-based eradication in Micronesia.
Strategic Vision
This year, we released our 2024 – 2028 Strategic Vision – a five year blueprint that will guide us to make maximum impact.
Check out our Strategic Vision to learn about how we plan to drive progress toward our mission and vision, our guiding principles and values, theory of change, and more.
New look, same values
Out with the old and in with the new, while staying true to what matters most.
In our 30th year, we decided we needed to invite a little change to keep moving forward. We updated our logo, branding, mission, and vision to better reflect the many benefits of island restoration.
Though we shook some things up a little, with others we are immovable. We built our Guiding Principles, Core Values, and DEI Principles to be the foundation of our organization and the work that we do. We are committed to ongoing reflection and feedback to make what we have created even stronger, but we are steadfast with our commitment all the same.
In short, change is good. But, we know when we should stick to our roots.
In The News
We’ve reached millions through our news stories this past year.
Here are the top stories from news outlets that featured our work, sharing our impact across the globe.
Supporting Studies
Many emerging studies today confirm what island communities have known for centuries: everything is connected, from ridge to reef. Check out recent studies that support this work and highlight the multiple benefits of holistically restoring islands.
The Dynamic Coastlines that Change Island Futures
With sea levels on the rise, how are the coastlines of islands transforming? Read on to find out how dynamic islands really are!
New Paper Connects Island Restoration, Seabird Populations, and Coral Reef Health
New research shows the vital link between island restoration, healthy seabird populations, and resilient, thriving coral reefs!
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…
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…
Seabird Deposits and the Future of Atolls
Everything is connected. Atoll islands have often been deemed an inevitable lost cause when it comes to climate change and sea level rise due to their low-lying elevations. A new article in Cell Press aims to bust this myth as…
Connecting Globally
Our social media channels help us reach thousands of people across the world every week. Here’s a round up of our favorite posts this year.
Island-Ocean Connection Challenge
We are bringing together diverse partners to restore and rewild at least 40 globally significant island-ocean ecosystems from ridge to reef by 2030 to benefit people, wildlife, and our planet. In 2024, we announced the next eight ecosystems, saw promising results in French Polynesia and Tonga with seabirds returning, and began marine monitoring and accelerated recovery on Floreana.
Learn more about the IOCC and progress we’ve seen with this catalytic global initiative.
Financials
CharityWatch considers a charity highly efficient when 75% or more of spending goes to programs. At Island Conservation, we exceed that standard with 81% going to program spending, ensuring your donation directly supports impactful, mission-driven work that benefits nature and communities worldwide.
We were also awarded a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, backing our proven track record of financial health and responsibility.
Our Partners
Our strength lies in collaboration.
At Island Conservation, we partner with local communities, non-profit organizations, governments, scientists, and landowners to ensure our success and maximize impact.
Check out our full list of partners.
Our Supporters
Thank you to our collective of dedicated supporters that make this work possible.
*Island Conservation Board member
**Island Conservation Staff member
- Aaron Maizlish and Judith Ikle
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- Gregg Goolsby*
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- Heath Packard** and Laurel Walters
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- Jane Park and Burton Davis in recognition of Penny Becker
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Global Initiatives
We joined three global initiatives this year: the Global Rewilding Alliance, Let’s Be Nice to the Ocean Movement, and Ocean & Climate Platform.
These powerful initiatives amplify the work of island restoration worldwide. Alongside a network of over a hundred organizations, we will make a global impact for nature and people worldwide.
Not a donor yet?
We offer one of the highest returns on investment in the conservation space. Join the collective of supporters that are making the most with their donation.
More ways to help
There’s more than one way to make an impact.
Knowledge inspires action, and sometimes all it takes is one conversation to shift the perspective of another. Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed and share this report with someone you hope to inspire into action.
You make it happen
Thank you to all of our amazing supporters around the world.
You make this impact happen. Through collaboration, support, and a shared vision of a brighter future for islands, wildlife, people, and the planet, we produce astounding results – together. We couldn’t do it without you.
Cheers to 30 years of impact!