Key Impact Points:
- Over 30 small island nations are implementing UNEP-backed strategies to restore ecosystems, reduce pollution, and build climate resilience.
- Nearly 1.3 million hectares of coral reefs are under protection, supported by over $100 million from the Global Fund for Coral Reefs.
- UNEP is investing in early warning systems, circular economies, and sustainable blue growth across multiple island states.
Small Islands, Big Impact
More than 30 small island developing states (SIDS) are accelerating environmental action through ambitious partnerships with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). These island nations—though among the most vulnerable to climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution—are positioning themselves as global leaders in resilience and sustainable development.
“At UNEP, we are not just supporting small island developing states—we are standing shoulder to shoulder with them to chart a bold path where economic development is inseparable from ecological resilience,” said Sinikinesh Jimma, Acting Head of UNEP’s Marine and Freshwater Branch.
Many SIDS also directly contribute to UNEP’s Environment Fund, reinforcing a mutual commitment to the planet. Their efforts align with the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for sustainable island development adopted in 2023.
1. Restoring Ecosystems from Forest to Reef
Across islands from Micronesia to Saint Lucia, UNEP-backed projects are regenerating native habitats to safeguard both nature and communities.
- In Micronesia and the Marshall Islands, local groups are helping revive seabird colonies that protect vegetation and shorelines.
- In Saint Lucia, 5,000 hectares of forests and coastlines and 2,000 hectares of marine ecosystems are under sustainable management.
- The UNEP/FAO SIDS Restoration Flagship is driving efforts in Comoros, Saint Lucia, and Vanuatu to restore coastal ecosystems and support green entrepreneurship through initiatives like the Restoration Factory.
2. Defending Coral Reefs
Though they cover less than 1% of Earth’s land, small island nations host nearly 30% of its coral reefs—now under threat from rising temperatures.
The Global Fund for Coral Reefs has invested over $100 million to shield 1.3 million hectares of reefs across the Bahamas, Seychelles, Maldives, Palau, and more.
Projects include:
- Ecotourism initiatives in Micronesia
- Sustainable barramundi farming in Sri Lanka
- New support expected for Seychelles and Solomon Islands
3. Expanding Early Warning Systems
UNEP is helping small island nations stay ahead of climate disasters through cutting-edge weather tracking and community-based preparedness.
In Timor-Leste, integrated alerts—from megaphones to mobile apps—warn residents of oncoming storms. In Vanuatu, traditional knowledge is being woven into scientific forecasts to build trust in alerts.
“We are working together to make sure small island developing states—the world’s big oceanic states—have the science, tools, partnerships and policy support they need to continue rising as leaders of environmental action,” said Jimma.
4. Tackling Pollution at the Source
SIDS face some of the highest waste management costs and are often swamped with foreign marine litter. UNEP is:
- Phasing out single-use plastics via the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative
- Promoting circular economy strategies for waste
- Supporting national-level waste and chemicals management plans
5. Building Economies That Thrive with Nature
From green transport to marine governance, UNEP is helping small island nations align prosperity with environmental stewardship.
- Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu secured $4.4 million to develop electric transport and clean mobility plans.
- A $75.6 million fund supports ocean-based economic growth through UNEP’s Sustainable Blue Economy Transition Framework.
- UNEP also supports ratification of the BBNJ Agreement to ensure sustainable marine resource use in international waters.
These coordinated efforts reflect a new wave of leadership from small island nations—balancing urgent environmental protection with long-term economic resilience.
Related Article: Once-in-Decade Meeting of Small Island Developing States
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