Island Biodiversity. Protecting paradise on Earth.
CBD Convention on Biological Diversity

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 world population.
Island species are also unique in their vulnerability: of the 724 recorded animal extinctions in the last 400 years, about half were island species. Over the past century, island biodiversity has been subject to intense pressure from invasive alien species, habitat change and over-exploitation, and, increasingly, from climate change and pollution. This pressure is also keenly felt by island economies. Among the most vulnerable of the developing countries, small island developing States (SIDS) depend on the conservation and sustainable use of island biodiversity for their sustainable development.

Current Activities of the CBD Programme on Island BioDiversity 2007...>

COP 8 Decision VIII/1 - Island Biodiversity
Curitiba, 20 - 31 March 2006

At its eighth meeting (Brazil, March 2006), the Conference of the Parties adopted the first-ever programme of work dedicated solely to the uniqueness and fragility of island biodiversity (decision VIII/1). Its aim is to reduce significantly the rate of island biodiversity loss by 2010 and beyond as a contribution to poverty alleviation and the sustainable development of islands, particularly small island developing States. The programme of work sets out almost 50 island-specific priority actions arranged under 11 goals, which are in turn organized under seven focal areas.
COP Decision VIII/1... >