The 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) presents a significant challenge. While ambitious, many experts argue that the current timeframe is unrealistic, particularly in the face of global challenges like climate change and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At Project Ah’kan, we believe that while the 2030 deadline serves as an important benchmark, it is crucial to acknowledge the complexities involved and advocate for a more realistic timeframe for achieving these critical goals. We believe that extending the deadline to 2050 would provide a more realistic pathway towards achieving the SDGs without abandoning the crucial objectives they represent.
"At Project Ah’kan we believe that the world should redouble its efforts on the SDGs, not abandon them."
The Island 2050 project embodies this commitment to long-term sustainability. This initiative empowers small island communities to thrive in the face of climate change by embracing sustainable development practices. By focusing on key areas such as Renewable Energy, Sustainable Waste Management, Climate-Resilient Infrastructure, Sustainable Agriculture, and community empowerment.
As part of Island 2050, we focus on enabling island communities to achieve the following SDG goals:
AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy sources for all islanders.
DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth with decent jobs for all islanders.
INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Build resilient infrastructure and foster innovation for sustainable island development.
SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES
Make island communities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION
Promote sustainable consumption and production patterns in island communities.
CLIMATE ACTION
Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacities to climate change in island communities.
LIFE BELOW WATER
Conserve and sustainably use marine resources vital for island livelihoods.
LIFE ON LAND
Protect and restore island ecosystems, combat desertification, and halt biodiversity loss.
The small island nations entirely dependent on coral reefs for its survival, has witnessed devastating coral destruction in recent decades. Climate change-induced coral bleaching events, particularly in 1998 and 2016, have led to mass coral mortality, with some estimates suggesting up to 98% of shallow-water corals perished in 1998. This destruction has far-reaching consequences. The loss of coral reefs exacerbates coastal erosion, threatening the very existence of these low-lying islands. The decline in fish populations due to reef degradation jeopardizes food security and livelihoods for many small island nations who rely on fishing. Furthermore, the diminished appeal of damaged reefs negatively impacts the tourism industry, a crucial for many island nations. The ongoing destruction of coral reefs poses an existential threat to the island communities, demanding urgent and comprehensive conservation efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and restore these vital ecosystems.
Recognizing this urgent need, Project Ah'kan established the Coral Nursery to actively contribute to coral reef restoration efforts. Facing the alarming loss of coral reefs due to climate change, coastal development, and other human activities, we understand the critical importance of proactive conservation measures. Our team planes to meticulously cultivates healthy coral fragments, often relocate from areas impacted by land reclamation, harbor development, and other large-scale projects. These corals, facing imminent destruction from these development activities, are carefully rescued and provided with the optimal conditions for growth and development within our nursery. These nurtured fragments are then carefully transplanted onto degraded reefs, helping to repopulate these vital ecosystems and restore their ecological functions. By nurturing and restoring coral reefs, we aim to Safeguard coastal communities, Enhance marine biodiversity, Support sustainable livelihoods, and Build climate resilience
The world has lost 98% of its shallow-water corals due to climate change. For small island nations, this is not a distant threat. We cannot afford to wait and see what happens when the survival rate of coral hits 0%
The Next Gen project lies at the heart of Project Ah'kan's mission: to cultivate a sustainable future for island communities. Recognizing that young people are the future stewards of our environment, Next Gen is dedicated to nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious leaders within these communities. Through engaging educational programs, interactive workshops, and hands-on experiences, we equip island youth with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to address the environmental challenges facing their islands.
Our programs delve into critical issues such as climate change, marine pollution, biodiversity loss, and the importance of sustainable living practices. We foster a deep understanding of these challenges and empower young people to become active participants in finding solutions. Through leadership development initiatives, we cultivate essential skills such as teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving, enabling them to effectively advocate for environmental protection and drive positive change within their communities. By providing opportunities for youth to engage in community-based environmental projects, such as beach cleanups, coral reef monitoring, and sustainable gardening initiatives, we empower them to take action and make a tangible difference in their environment.
By investing in the potential of island youth, Next Gen is cultivating a generation of environmentally conscious leaders who will champion a sustainable and prosperous future for their communities.
The future of our islands rests in the hands of our youth. We invest in their potential, nurturing a generation of leaders who will safeguard our paradise for generations to come