II195-A New Call From The Clean Energy For EU Islands Secretariat🏝

This week, we're highlighting a range of innovative projects, initiatives, and stories that underscore the resilience, creativity, and determination of islanders everywhere.

Join the Follower Islands Programme: A New Call from the Clean energy for EU islands secretariat as Part of the “30 for 2030 Initiatives

The Clean energy for EU islands secretariat is excited to announce a new opportunity for islands: the Follower Islands programme. This call invites islands to apply and take part in the ambitious “30 for 2030” initiative to fast-track their decarbonisation plans and learn from the 30 pioneering islands.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM

What I found on the secretive tropical island they don’t want you to see

Diego Garcia, a tropical island paradise in the Indian Ocean, hides a secret as the site of a UK-US military base. Off-limits to civilians, it's the center of a heated UK-Mauritius territorial dispute. Curious about its hidden history? Learn more.

Hui Shan's walk to work is only a few hundred metres — but the racist abuse makes it seem much longer

Hui Shan, a victim of repeated racist attacks in her Tasmanian community, no longer feels safe walking to work or even leaving for lunch. Isolated and fearful, she now carries an umbrella for protection. Learn more about her story.

Are you ready to follow the Island Voices @ COP29?

The United Nations Climate Change Conference / COP29 Azerbaijan will take place in Baku, in 1 month. Are you ready for the global conference? 

Whether following COP from afar or attending in-person, register today to receive daily exclusive news, updates and important resources from COP29, from November 11th to 24th.

The Island Innovation team will provide an interactive platform where islanders can stay updated, exchange knowledge and access the following content:

• Daily Bulletins: COP29 talking points and major happenings summarised in a daily bulletin during the conference. 
• Event Calendar: Event calendar of all the island events at COP29 to make sure the relevant stakeholders can attend and meet each other. Organisers can submit their events for the exposure and partner events will be highlighted.
• Video interviews: Video interviews with relevant island stakeholders to talk about the different aims of the global conference, their predictions for the success of the conference and other details surrounding it.

REGISTER FOR THE EVENT

This week's highlights

‘When the chips are down, the people stand up’: Bell Islanders continue to demonstrate their resilience and love of their community

Bell Island’s residents consistently rise to challenges, showing resilience and deep love for their community. Teresita McCarthy , who returned after university, has spent over 30 years there, drawn by the island's lasting impact. Want to learn more about their enduring spirit? Read the full story.

A conservation treasure is threatened by Indonesian plans for food security

Indonesia's plan to turn 2 million hectares of wetlands in Papua into rice farms and sugarcane plantations threatens a conservation treasure. With military involvement raising concerns of conflict, this highlights the global tension between economic development and protecting fragile ecosystems. Learn more about this unfolding issue.

More island stories

• Island Schools: Leading Global Educational Innovation
• Electrifying Island Transportation: An Ongoing Success Story
• Empowering Women in Zanzibar: the Transformative Impact of Amaranth Farming
• Cost-benefit analysis exposes ‘bogus’ promises of palm oil riches for Papuans
• Island leaders call for collaboration between stakeholders ahead of COP29
• Building Climate Resilience: Inclusive Green Finance and Parametric Insurance for the Pacific’s Vulnerable Communities

Thank you for reading