Island Conservation’s COP 16 Position Paper
Island Conservation attended the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity!
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.
Want to learn more?
Check out other journal entries we think you might be interested in.
New Paper Shows Invasive Species Removal is a Nature-Based Solution for Climate Resilience
Island Conservation and partners have published a new paper quantifying ecosystem resilience on restored islands!
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!
The Dynamic Coastlines that Change Island Futures
With sea levels on the rise, how are the coastlines of islands transforming? Read on to find out how dynamic islands really are!
Our Favorite Conservation Photos of 2023
Join us in celebrating the most amazing sights from around the world by checking out these fantastic conservation photos!
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…
Cryptocurrency Donations: Make an Impact with Your Digital Wallet
Island Conservation accepts cryptocurrency donations. Make an impact using your digital wallet today!
Hope for Globally Threatened Seabirds as BirdLife South Africa Joins Island-Ocean Connection Challenge with Marion Island
For Immediate Release Conservation powerhouse BirdLife South Africa has joined the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC) – a global initiative aiming to restore, rewild and protect islands, oceans and communities – to support its work to save internationally significant albatross populations…
Video Footage Highlights Lehua Island Restoration Project
Video captures insights and hopes from the partners who are working to restore Lehua Island, Hawai’i. In 2021, Lehua Island officially became free from the threat of invasive rodents. This is a huge accomplishment that has enriched the region’s biodiversity…
Tequila Sunrise? Or Floreana Sunrise?
Carolina Torres describes how the project to restore and rewild Floreana Island signals hope for a future where people and nature can thrive together in the Galápagos.