A secluded island located in the South Atlantic Ocean that is celebrated for its distinctive and abundant biodiversity. The island’s unique ecological characteristics stem from its isolation, which has led to the development of an environment rich in endemic species not found elsewhere. The landscape of Saint Helena is varied, encompassing rugged volcanic terrain, subtropical woodlands, and coastal areas, all teeming with life. The island is particularly noted for its significant number of endemic birds and vascular plants, with the highland regions housing most of the 400 endemic species identified so far.

Currently, Saint Helena is included on the United Kingdom’s tentative list for future UNESCO World Heritage Sites, highlighting its global ecological importance. The island’s deep shoreline is a thriving habitat for abundant red crabs, adding to its biological diversity and interest.

Four pillars elaborated:

Land Management

Saint Helena, though much smaller than global powerhouses, is significantly committed to preserving its ecological diversity. The island covers an area of 122 km² (47 mi²) and has made concerted efforts to protect its unique environment. Approximately one-third of Saint Helena’s land is designated as protected areas, including its National Conservation Areas and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), which safeguard a substantial portion of its terrestrial and marine biodiversity.

The island’s commitment to conservation is evident in its extensive marine protection initiatives. The Saint Helena Marine Protected Area encompasses a vast expanse of its surrounding waters, which play a crucial role in preserving the rich marine life that includes diverse species of fish and marine mammals. These protected areas are critical for maintaining the island’s ecological balance and supporting sustainable fishing practices.

Saint Helena’s approach to agriculture and land use is carefully managed to mitigate environmental impacts. The use of pesticides is minimal, and farming practices are generally sustainable, focusing on maintaining the health of the soil and local ecosystems. Despite its limited agricultural activities, the island prioritizes ecological sustainability over intensive farming.

Threats to Biodiversity

Saint Helena has historically maintained a low and stable risk of species extinction, reflected in its stable Red List Index (RLI) from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, the island has experienced significant losses, with various flora and fauna having become extinct due to human activities. Notably, the endemic St. Helena olive tree, Nesiota elliptica, last seen in the wild in 1994, became extinct by December 2003 with the death of the last cultivated individual. Similarly, the native St. Helena earwig was last observed in the wild in 1967, marking its likely extinction.

The majority of Saint Helena’s natural habitats are protected under local conservation regulations, which cover a significant portion of the island’s land and marine environments. Despite these protections, Saint Helena’s ecosystems are still at risk, particularly its marine species, which face pressures from fishing. This underscores the urgent need for enhanced conservation strategies and stricter monitoring to ensure that both terrestrial and marine biodiversity can be sustained.

Capacity and Governance

Saint Helena has taken significant steps towards enhancing its capacity for biodiversity conservation through the establishment of the St Helena Biodiversity Information System. Launched with support from international conservation bodies, this digital repository centralizes data from various local environmental and research organizations. It serves as a critical tool for tracking and managing the island’s unique ecological data, fostering better planning and global collaboration in conservation efforts.

The protection of Saint Helena’s natural environment is deemed crucial for maintaining global biodiversity and mitigating climate change impacts. However, financing these efforts remains a challenge. Historical records show fluctuating investment levels, with current expenditures needing reassessment to address emerging environmental challenges adequately. Conservation funding is primarily sourced from the local government and supplemented by international grants.

Future Trends

Saint Helena has developed a comprehensive National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) tailored to its unique environmental needs and challenges. The strategy is designed to conserve the island’s biodiversity while ensuring the equitable sharing of benefits derived from natural resources. It emphasizes respecting and integrating traditional knowledge and promotes inclusive participation across all sectors of society, including enhancing gender equality in environmental governance.

The core objectives of Saint Helena’s NBSAP include addressing the root causes of biodiversity loss by tackling invasive species and habitat degradation, reducing direct pressures on natural ecosystems through better waste management and controlled tourism, and protecting the island’s rich genetic diversity. Additionally, the plan aims to maximize the ecological, economic, and social benefits derived from biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Biodiversity

The island is particularly noted for its high number of endemic plant species. Among its most famous is the Saint Helena ebony, once thought to be extinct until rediscovered. Saint Helena also hosts several unique bird species, such as the critically endangered Saint Helena plover, locally known as the wirebird. Its isolation has also led to the absence of amphibians and the presence of a limited number of mammal species, primarily introduced.

Additionally, Saint Helena’s marine environment is as unique as its terrestrial counterpart, with numerous species of fish and marine invertebrates that thrive in the surrounding Atlantic waters. The island’s conservation efforts are vital for protecting these rare species and their habitats, which are critical to maintaining global biodiversity.