Islands

With almost 5000 island and islets, the Mediterranean comprises one of the largest groups of islands in the world. With its wealth of species, high degree of endemism, long history and tolerance of all kinds of disruptions, it is of extremely high value to global biodiversity. However, over the last few decades, major socio-economic changes have increased the negative impact of human activity in the region and today, the islands are extremely vulnerable.

As excellent examples of oceanic island ecosystems, many unmodified by human influences, these islands are of great conservation significance but adequate protection varies. The papers in this volume examine the progress made by various national authorities since the first workshop in 1986 and set out a new call for action in 35 recommendations.

This series presents the results of an investigation by IUCN’s Global Change Programme into the possible implications of predicted global change for natural systems and their management. This publication examines issues specific to marine ecosystems.