International Day for Biological Diversity - 22 May 2014 - Islands and Biodiversity

International Day for Biological Diversity 2014

Islands and their surrounding near-shore marine areas constitute unique ecosystems often comprising many plant and animal species that are endemic—found nowhere else on Earth. The legacy of a unique evolutionary history these ecosystems are irreplaceable treasures. They are also key to the livelihood, economy, well-being and cultural identity of 600 million islanders—one-tenth of the world’s population. Read more about the importance of islands.

The theme Island Biodiversity was chosen to coincide with the designation by the United Nations General Assembly of 2014 as the International Year of Small Island Developing States. In addition, the theme was chosen to correspond with the timing of COP decision XI/15 paragraph 1(a) “to strengthen the implementation of the Programme of Work on Island Biodiversity”. Read the notification.

Global Island Partnership (GLISPA)

The Global Island Partnership (GLISPA) assists islands in addressing one of the world’s greatest challenges — to conserve and sustainably utilize invaluable island natural resources that support people, cultures and livelihoods in their island homes around the world.

It is a partnership for all islands, regardless of size or political status, to take bold steps towards greater sustainability. It provides a global platform that enables islands to work together to develop solutions to common problems and to take high-level commitments and actions that address these global challenges. Read more ->

• GLISPA's website
• GLISPA brochure
• COP decision XI/15, noting GLISPA's activities as a mechanism for implementation of the CBD and as a partnership under the CSD, and invites Parties to recognize it and engage with it.

Global Islands Network (GIN)

The Global Islands Network (GIN) represents a hub that connects and coordinates efforts to help ensure a healthy and productive future for islanders. GIN is committed to advancing the interests of islanders, and it conducts and promotes development on islands worldwide. Read more ->

Global Islands Database (GID)

The Global Island Database supports the Global Island Partnership by making spatial data available for more than 400,000 islands around the world. The platform also encourages the participation of individuals to help improve on the accuracy of this information through the Global Island Database Validation Tool. Read more ->