25th Inter-Island Environment Meeting praised as 'collaborative and inspiring'

The theme was 'collaboration for greater impact'

The 25th Inter-Island Environment Meeting (IIEM25) has taken place at the Villa Marina in Douglas.

It was the first time it has been held in the Isle of Man.

Held over three days (17 - 19 September), the event brought together conservationists, environmental professionals, and sustainability-focused organisations from the UK Crown Dependencies, British Isles, and Ireland.

This year's theme was 'collaboration for greater impact', with presentations and discussions highlighting 'how linking efforts can achieve more for wildlife conservation, reforestation, marine protection, and community wellbeing than any organisation could alone'. 

The congress aimed to demonstrate 'that by coming together and working across sectors, environmental and community projects can both safeguard wildlife and create lasting benefits for people'.

It included talks on projects protecting Risso’s dolphins, seals, freshwater species, birds and butterflies amongst others, and topics including restoration of natural habitats, peatland recovery to forest regeneration. 

There was also a themed session on conservation in communities, including education programmes, outdoor learning and the role of community-led initiatives in supporting both wildlife and people’s wellbeing.

Manx Wildlife Trust Chief Executive Graham Makepeace-Warne said: "We really wanted to make IIEM25 a success and a fitting celebration of the 25-year history of this important event. 

"Thanks to support from Beach Buddies, Biosphere Youth Representatives, Blue Badge Guides and local businesses, I feel we managed to do just that. 

"It was a privilege to host such a diverse gathering of people who are deeply committed to wildlife conservation, community wellbeing, and the prosperity of our islands. 

"The collaborative spirit of IIEM25 this year shows how much can be achieved when sectors come together – and gives real hope for the future."

The next Inter-Island Environment meeting will be held in Guernsey, with provisional dates of 30 September - 2 October. 

More information is available HERE, and presentations and video recordings from IIEM25 can be found HERE.