Climate Resilient Integrated Food Systems for Island States

Island states often face a number of challenges that make them vulnerable to food insecurity. These include limited landmass and lack of arable land, fragile natural environments, a narrow resource base, and reliance on ocean resources. They often also demonstrate a high level of dependence on food imports, particularly processed foods. In many cases, remoteness and distance from global markets result in high costs for food transportation, both import and export.

Many island states are highly vulnerable to climate change, external economic shocks, and natural disasters. When faced with such pressures, island food systems must demonstrate resilience and flexibility, with a need for a varied and integrated approach to food production, processing, and distribution.

The main objective of this initiative is to bring together multiple island stakeholders to explore ways to strengthen island food systems to ensure sustainable food pathways to 2030 and beyond.