Islands and coastal habitats, though diverse in their context, share common challenges and opportunities in the pursuit of sustainability, particularly regarding climate change, biodiversity conservation, and renewable energy. These regions are especially vulnerable to global environmental changes but also offer a unique potential to study these transformations and implement innovative sustainability strategies, providing local solutions to global challenges.

As part of COST Action CA21166 – Social Sciences and Humanities for Transformation and Climate Resilience (SHiFT), the Islands for Sustainability initiative aims to integrate critical practices, transdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement to address the complex dynamics of island sustainability.

Travel and Subsistence Grants Available

Why Participate?

This initiative seeks to build networks that transcend disciplinary silos, ensuring that marginalized voices, local knowledge, and participatory methods are integrated into broader sustainability frameworks. By participating, you will contribute to shaping new pathways for resilience, social innovation, and sustainable futures for islands.

Join us in co-creating knowledge, amplifying underrepresented perspectives, and fostering new collaborations that strengthen climate resilience and sustainability in island and coastal regions.

Participation

We welcome original and diverse proposals exploring sustainability, conservation, and cultural heritage in island ecosystems. All interested individuals are invited to submit contributions that reflect their vision for preserving island environments and their natural and cultural heritage.

Contribution Types:

✅ Abstract (max. 300 words)
Proposal for a research idea or project focused on sustainable practices in island ecosystems or the preservation of their natural and cultural heritage.

✅ Multimedia Resource
Creative submissions may include:
• A short video (max. 5 minutes) presenting a project or idea contributing to island ecosystem sustainability.
• Photography or digital artwork capturing the beauty of islands or highlighting conservation challenges.
All multimedia submissions must include a title and a brief description (max. 200 words).

✅ Artistic Expression
Other artistic works are welcome, including but not limited to:
• Paintings or illustrations representing island biodiversity, landscapes, or cultural traditions.
• Poems or short stories exploring the relationship between humans and island landscapes or celebrating the natural beauty of islands.
All artistic submissions must include a title and a brief description (max. 200 words).

Submission Guidelines

📅 Submission deadline: April 15, 2025
• Format: Abstracts in PDF. Videos in MP4 format. Images in JPEG/PNG format.
• Submission: Proposals must be submitted via the following Google Forms link.

Contact Information

For inquiries, please contact the funding support manager (Joana Ralão): shiftcost@fcsh.unl.pt

For more details, consult the full Participation Notice: SHiFT-Islands-for-Sustainability_FINAL.pdf

📌 More information: [Islands for Sustainability | Shift Cost]