News
The latest updates from the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC) and its projects, people, and progress.

Return of the Rails: Signs of Recovery on Floreana Island
Just two years ago, our team launched the large-scale Floreana Island Restoration Project. Today, we’re seeing the multi-faceted benefits of our work through the lens of thriving nature.

Press Release: Global Initiative Welcomes Three Iconic New Zealand Islands into the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge
The international conservation initiative, Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC), welcomes three of New Zealand’s most ecologically rich islands into its ambitious effort.

Restoring Savana Island: A Haven for the Endangered Virgin Islands Tree Boa
Savana Island is a stunning ecological gem and home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. However, one species is conspicuously absent: the Virgin Islands Tree Boa.

The Ebiil Society: Champions of Palau
Q&A with Ann Singeo, the Ebiil Society’s Executive Director, who tells us about their work in Palau.

Peru Joins Island-Ocean Connection Challenge to Restore Island Ecosystems
The IOCC, a collaborative effort to restore 40 island ecosystems by 2030, is excited to welcome Peru as a new partner from Latin America.

Panama Confirms Participation in Island-Ocean Connection Challenge to Restore Island Ecosystems
The country of Panama has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the biodiversity of its islands by officially joining the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC).

Endangered Birds Return to Kamaka for First Time in 100+ Years!
Endangered Polynesian storm petrels, ground-nesting seabirds also known as White-throated storm petrels, are returning to Kamaka Island, French Polynesia, after a prolonged absence.

IOCC Supporters Journey to Palau
Key Island-Ocean Connection Challenge supporters and project staff traveled to Palau to witness firsthand the restoration efforts that are helping the ecosystems of these pristine islands flourish.

Field Notes from Tetiaroa: Biodiversity Quickly Recovering
Join Frank Murphy, Tetiaroa Society Program Director, as he shares exciting and positive signs of swift recovery on Tetiaroa Atoll.

Increased Investment Announced for IOCC Project Alto Velo Island, Dominican Republic
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) expands support for biodiversity conservation and local environmental stewardship in the Dominican Republic.

Restoring the Marshall Islands: Three Essential Projects
Join Island Conservation’s Bren Ram as she expounds on new Island-Ocean Connection Challenge projects underway on the Marshall Islands.

Marion Island’s Seabirds Under Severe Threat
New findings show the desperate need to restore IOCC project Marion Island to its former status as a breeding refuge for its threatened seabirds.

Restoring Alto Velo Island: Reviving a Critical Island-Ocean Connection
The holistic restoration of Alto Velo through invasive species removal and the reintroduction of native seabirds promises to revive the island’s natural ecosystem.

The Evolutionary Genius of a Dog’s Nose Aids Rathlin LIFE Raft Project
Anna Feeny from the Rathlin LIFE Raft Project shares insights and updates on this important restoration project, as well as a new, furry addition leading the team.

Finches Released in the Galapagos Signal Triumph for Floreana Island Restoration Project
Five species of native finches were released from the highlands and lowlands of Floreana Island in the Galapagos, marking a significant phase of the largest conservation project the archipelago has ever seen.

Joining Forces for Floreana Island: Galapagos Conservation Trust’s Commitment to IOCC

Promising Signs of Recovery on Ulong and Ngerkeklau Islands, Palau
A first-hand account of ecosystem recovery on Ulong Island in Palau; an Island-Ocean Connection Challenge Project.

Journey to Palau with The IOCC for the Trip of a Lifetime
Island Conservation and UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography are thrilled to announce an immersive impact experience across the islands and oceans of the Palau Archipelago, Micronesia, in partnership with Journeys with Purpose.

Holistic Restoration of Islands Highlighted at COP28
Discussing the connections between island and ocean ecosystems and how Pacific Island nations are scaling up investment in the management of invasive species to increase climate resilience.

Rare Joins the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge
Rare will support the effort to restore island-ocean ecosystems by engaging the Coastal 500 network of local leaders in safeguarding biodiversity.