Climate change is one of the most threatening issues of our time, with far-reaching impacts on ecosystems and human livelihoods. From shifting weather patterns that threatened food production, to rising sea levels that increase the risk of catastrophic flooding, the impacts of climate change are global in scope and unprecedented in scale. Small and isolated islands, with their rich yet vulnerable biodiversity and delicate balance between traditional social practices and sustainable livelihoods, are among those most affected by climate change.
One of these island groups is Yemen’s Socotra among the world’s top ten archipelagoes with the highest number of endemic plant species per square kilometer.
To raise awareness on the rich and distinct natural and cultural heritage of Socotra, UNESCO and the Friends of Socotra Association launched the Connect 2 Socotra Campaign in September 2019.
At the moment more than 11 major museums, botanical gardens, academic institutes and other organizations around the world joined the campaign organizing natural history and photography exhibitions, public talks and lectures, workshops, film screenings, and other events to connect Socotra to the world, and the world to Socotra.
Cover Photo: Courtesy of © Vladimir Melnik