Island Biodiversity is the theme of the International Day for Biological Diversity, celebrated today. It was chosen to coincide with the UN International Year of Small Island Developing States.

 

Islands are home to some 600 million people—one-tenth of the world's population. Many islanders are endowed with unique cultures and derive much of their economic, environmental and cultural well-being directly or indirectly from the rich natural resources in their immediate environment. Islands harbor numerous discrete ecosystems, from mountain forests to wetlands and beyond, that provide food, fresh water, wood, fiber, medicines, fuel, tools and other important raw materials, in addition to aesthetic, spiritual, educational and recreational values, that support island livelihoods, economies and cultures.

 

Island ecosystems also contribute to the maintenance of ecosystem functions: they provide defense against natural disasters, support nutrient cycling, and soil and sand formation; and they contribute to the regulation of climate and diseases.