Remembering Dr. Eleanor Sterling, Inspiring Conservation Biologist and Former Island Conservation Board Member

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.

ID: USA-JUN-2000-KF-R7.08 Photo by: Kevin Frey Date: June 2000 Location: Montana, USA People: Eleanor J. Sterling
Back Next

Want to learn more?

Check out other journal entries we think you might be interested in.

December 4, 2024

The Ebiil Society: Champions of Palau

Ann Singeo, founder of our partner organization the Ebiil Society, shares her vision for a thriving Palau and a flourishing world of indigenous science!

September 10, 2024

What is Climate Week?

Climate Week NYC: what is it and why is it important? Read on to find out why Island Conservation is attending this amazing event!

November 28, 2023

Rare Joins the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge

Rare will support the effort to restore island-ocean ecosystems by engaging the Coastal 500 network of local leaders in safeguarding biodiversity (Arlington, VA, USA) Today, international conservation organization Rare announced it has joined the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC), a global effort to…