Island ecosystems are home to unique biodiversity and endemic species which are the result of many years of evolution in isolation. Islands and their communities are highly vulnerable to global environmental challenges such as climate breakdown, biodiversity extinctions, plastic pollution, and sea level rise. Therefore, local island communities need to be resourceful and find ways to deal with these challenges now and to secure a safe future.

Through storytelling the project ‘Island Stories of Change’ will illustrate a series of community conservation initiatives and sustainable ways of living, that benefit both nature and people in the long run. Our goal is to develop and share powerful visual narratives that demonstrate how community ownership and collaboration can trigger positive change and improve quality of life for all. The selected stories focus on nature-based solutions and finding the right balance between the sustainable use of natural resources and keeping ecosystems healthy and resilient in a context of global environmental change.

In order to be effective storytellers and change the conversation on conservation, we need to move away from doom and gloom scenarios towards a more inspiring, engaging and uplifting conservation optimism that inspire people into action. 

Join us in this effort by sharing your stories here.