II174-Turning Trash Into Treasure: Sargassum Seaweed Fuels Agriculture🏝

Caribbean startups are turning excess seaweed into an agroecology solution

A yearly invasion of smelly seaweed has plagued the Caribbean since 2015, devastating tourism. Joshua Forte , founder and CEO of Red Diamond Compost , seeks to turn this crisis into an opportunity. Learn how Joshua and other entrepreneurs are tackling an environmental problem and inspiring innovation.

Stop calling Uist remote, pleads island council as they look to attract new families

Community leaders on a Scottish island are asking people to stop using the word 'remote', as it discourages potential residents. They also suggest avoiding images of empty landscapes that might make the islands seem isolated. This applies to the Uist archipelago in the Outer Hebrides - The Scottish Government . Learn More.

France urged to repay billions of dollars to Haiti for independence ‘ransom’

Civil society groups are demanding that France repay billions of dollars to Haiti. This debt stems from reparations Haiti, after winning independence through a slave revolt in 1804, was forced to pay France in exchange for recognition of their independence. Learn More.

The 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4)

As we get closer to the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), significant progress has been made in shaping the conference program, featuring a comprehensive schedule of high-level events and side activities. On-site, off-site, and virtual satellite events will occur parallel to the main conference.

Most of these events will be led by member states, United Nations entities, and accredited organisations, like Island Innovation , in support of the SIDS4 agenda, offering a chance to share best practices and foster new collaborations that can propel a sustainable future for SIDS. We will soon disclose more information about our 6 side events in Antigua and Barbuda, but you can already register to receive the daily bulletins and latest updates about SIDS4.

Register To Receive Updates

The Caribbean Climate Justice Leaders Academy

We’ve completed the selection process for this year’s Caribbean Climate Justice Leaders Academy! We thank everyone who applied for the second edition of our program, funded by the Open Society Foundations . From June to October, the selected participants will benefit from a series of interactive sessions, workshops, and discussions led by experts and practitioners in various field linked to climate justice. 

For those who applied but weren’t selected, there’s no need to worry. We are actively working to keep our program alive for many editions across other regions. In the meantime, learn about the program here.

This week's highlights

Making Zanzibar’s famous spices more sustainable

Zanzibar's fragrant spice markets reflect a centuries-old trade central to the island's culture. Today, some farmers are seeking sustainable practices to harvest these spices. Discover how locals are working sustainably to ensure this legacy.

Malaysia’s Local Islanders Are Taking On Ghost Nets. Is It Enough?

Ghost nets, abandoned fishing gear, pollute the ocean and endanger marine life. In Malaysia's Tioman Island Marine Park, locals are fighting back. With support from Reef Check Malaysia, they've removed tons of ghost nets, protecting countless animals and their habitats. Learn More.

More island stories

• In pictures: Eigg’s new community hub opened
• Robinson Crusoe Island, a Chilean football fairytale
• Palau tourism rebounds, aims for Pre-Pandemic levels by year’s end
• ‘I want to erase my own footprint’: The women looking after an island paradise
• Samoa, as Chair of AOSIS, flags special circumstances of SIDS at plastic treaty talks
• Pacific Island nations are moving to gain control over their labour drains, after seasonal worker numbers explode

Thank you for reading