II199-An Island's Solution to Wasteful Supply Chains 🏝

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

Island holds hope for solution to wasteful supply chains

On the Isle of Wight, TeeMill uses tech innovation to streamline fashion supply chains, reinvesting savings into sustainable practices like organic materials and circular systems. Founder Mart credits his island upbringing for inspiring a low-waste mindset. Read more about their innovative approach. via CNN

Dam displaces farmers as drought parches Indonesia’s Flores Island

“To our ancestors: please don’t be angry,” Mateus pleaded, clutching a handful of earth. He leads the Woe Dhiri Ke’o community on Flores Island, Indonesia, where a $88 million reservoir will soon replace his ancestral land to serve the Nagekeo district’s growing water needs. Read more. via Mongabay Mongabay-Indonesia

NGO calls for international protection zone for whale sharks

The environmental organisation Over The Swell is advocating for the creation of an international protection zone for the whale shark in the South Atlantic – between Cape Verde and Saint Helena. The project has recently gained the support of the sailing community through the Vendée Globe Foundation. Learn more about the NGO's efforts.

COP29 ends in $300 billion deal, widespread dismay — and eyes toward COP30

COP29 will be remembered for delivering a controversial deal of $300 billion when most delegates at the talks were already on flights back home; the agreement is far less than the more than $1 trillion developing nations sought. Learn more. COP29 Azerbaijan

Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2025

In-person event: Join us for the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2025! We will be gathering renowned professionals, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to address pressing challenges confronting island communities, focusing on Water Sustainability & Energy Nexus, Agricultural Resilience & Climate Adaptation and Climate-Health Interactions & Geothermal Energy.

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This week's highlights

Comoros faces water shortages – here’s how the small island state is adapting

Comoros is facing severe water shortages as climate change impacts its fragile watersheds and aquifers. Efforts are underway to ensure sustainable, climate-resilient water access by 2030—learn more about the challenges and solutions.

An Island-Wide ‘Art Trail’ Is Coming To O‘ahu In 2025

O‘ahu will launch the Wahi Pana “Art Trail” in 2025, featuring 11 installations that celebrate Native Hawaiian history and culturally significant sites. Discover how this initiative connects art, culture, and community. via Forbes

More island stories

• Community and Camaraderie on the Filipino Surf Island of Siargao
• Meet the two deaf Solomon Islanders teaching local sign language in a new book
• The struggle for electricity in Ghana’s island communities
• Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke performs the haka: Who are the Maori?
• Notes From The East: Andamans Need Development, But With Great Care
• Reunion Island women learn ori tahiti under the guidance of Matatini Mou

Thank you for reading