II197-Funding Key Projects on Islands With Savings Bonds??

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

Pacific island nation unveils blockchain-based savings bond ‘Palau Invest’ prototype

Palau has introduced Palau Invest, a blockchain-based savings bond system designed to support its small but ambitious community. Explore how this island nation is reimagining finance in its own unique way.

France to cut prices in Martinique over cost of living unrest

In Martinique, a six-week protest over skyrocketing living costs has led to a new deal, cutting food prices by 20% on 6,000 essential imports. However, local advocates argue that the relief should extend to 40,000 products. Read more.

New tourism restrictions to protect Bangladesh’s unique wetlands and coral-rich island

Bangladesh is setting new eco-friendly guidelines to protect its precious biodiversity, limiting tourism in Saint Martin’s Island and Tanguar Haor, a key wetland habitat. Explore how these changes aim to safeguard these unique ecosystems for future generations. Mongabay

Amplifying Island Voices @ COP29

In the lead-up to COP29 Azerbaijan , the Island Innovation team is providing you with insightful information through the Island Voices platform. During the upcoming weeks, we are organizing virtual sessions to highlight key island-related topics, and engage with experts on pressing climate challenges. These sessions will offer a unique opportunity to hear from island leaders, policymakers, NGO professional and innovators on how their communities are preparing for COP, what they hope to achieve, and the role island stakeholders will play in global climate negotiations. The first virtual session will take place next Thursday:

UNFCCC COPs: How can SIDS civil society receive official accreditation?

Date: Thursday, 31 October

Time: 09:00 AM New York, 13:00 PM London, 00:00 AM Sydney (next day)

This session will explore the steps involved in obtaining NGO accreditation and discuss effective strategies to prepare for and actively participate in COP events, empowering NGOs to amplify their voices in future climate negotiations.

Register to receive updates on the latest happenings at cop29

This week's highlights

Sammy Harvey: Meet the 14-Year-Old Turks and Caicos Islands International Goalkeeper

Meet Sammy Harvey, the remarkable 14-year-old goalkeeper from the Turks and Caicos Islands, who recently made his international debut in the Concacaf Nations League against Anguilla. Learn how, despite a tough start, Sammy is more determined than ever to prove himself, inspired by his coach and footballing heroes as he prepares for his next big match. BBC News

Will the Sea Cucumber Industry Sink or Swim in Belize?

Belize’s sea cucumber industry, now reopening with fresh regulations, remains a valuable yet carefully managed fishery. As new measures aim to balance sustainability with economic gains, fishers and buyers alike are watching closely to see if this niche market will continue to thrive. Learn more. Via Earth Journalism Network

More island stories

• How the tiny Caribbean island of Anguilla has turned the AI boom into a digital gold mine
• ‘We learned from Iceland’s mistakes’: The Faroe Islands’ hopes and fears about tourism boom
• Marshall Islands wins UN Human Rights Council seat with climate, nuclear justice agenda
• French Polynesian president asks UN to bring France into decolonisation talks
• Strong Partnership Helps Deliver Essential Services to the Remote Bougainville Atoll Islands
• Residents of Lamu’s Manda Island decry suffering due to poor health services
• Reparative Fiscal Justice for Caribbean Climate Action

Thank you for reading