Island Watch

UNESCO's IslandWatch programme, launched on 28 May 2024 at the SIDS4 conference, builds upon the legacy of the Sandwatch initiative by expanding the scope of environmental monitoring to address a wider range of challenges, including threats to biodiversity and the sustainability of both marine and freshwater resources. While Sandwatch focused on engaging local communities, schools, and teachers in monitoring coastal ecosystems, IslandWatch incorporates modern technologies and digital tools to improve data collection, analysis, and management. The programme aims to provide valuable evidence to support local and national policies on environmental conservation, ensuring that monitoring efforts are grounded in scientific rigor and can contribute to informed decision-making. By fostering collaboration with academic institutions, IslandWatch seeks to modernize monitoring practices and strengthen data systems to better address pressing environmental issues affecting island communities.