We are saddened by the recent news of the passing of Dr. Eleanor Sterling, a dear friend and guiding force for good at Island Conservation and so many other places and organizations around the world.

Eleanor was a biologist and social scientist whose research and life’s work built the tools to place Indigenous knowledge at the heart of conservation practice. Her work pioneered new approaches to biodiversity monitoring, stronger protected area management, and the establishment of locally-managed conservation areas in biodiverse and unique ecosystems, resulting in over 120 publications. As importantly, Eleanor influenced the hearts and minds of countless colleagues, scientists, community leaders, students, and friends over the past three decades.

Dr. Sterling served on Island Conservation’s Board of Directors from 2018-2022 and, as Chair of the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) Committee, helped grow our awareness and understanding of DEI, expanding our individual and organizational perspectives. Our work in DEI resulted in a series of staff-wide deep-dive learning sessions, organizational DEI principles, and a Black, Indigenous, Person of Color (BIPOC) communications fellowship, among many other initiatives.

In January 2023, we welcomed our first fellow and recognized Dr. Sterling’s many contributions by naming our fellowship the “Eleanor Sterling BIPOC Communications Fellowship”.

Thank you, Eleanor, for all you gave to the world—our planet’s wildlife, oceans, and people are better off because of you. You are missed.