UNESCO partners with China on climate monitoring for island states

UNESCO has signed agreements with two Chinese research institutions to strengthen climate monitoring, marine research and scientific capacity in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The agreements, signed on 17 July, bring together the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS) and the Second Institute of Oceanography (SIO) to expand access to satellite data, marine science expertise and technical support for vulnerable island states.

UNESCO said many island states face severe climate and environmental pressures but lack the research infrastructure, environmental data and technical capacity needed to respond effectively. The partnerships aim to address those gaps by providing training, scientific tools, knowledge exchange and support for collecting and using environmental data.

The cooperation will support UNESCO initiatives including IslandWatch, which promotes community-based ecosystem observation, and the Centres of Excellence in Marine Sciences and Biodiversity for Portuguese-speaking island states, which strengthen regional research and training.

São Tomé and Príncipe is expected to benefit significantly from the partnerships. After becoming the first country to have its entire territory designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2025, it requires stronger long-term ecosystem monitoring and scientific expertise.

CBAS has already assessed coastline change, sea-level rise and environmental conditions on Príncipe Island using satellite data, while SIO will contribute marine research and practical training to help local institutions address climate change and biodiversity loss.

The partnerships also contribute to UNESCO’s broader strategy for Small Island Developing States and the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033), reinforcing international cooperation on climate resilience and sustainable development.

Why does it matter?

Many Small Island Developing States face disproportionate risks from sea-level rise, coastal erosion and biodiversity loss, yet often lack the scientific infrastructure needed to monitor environmental change. Expanding access to satellite data, marine research and technical expertise can improve evidence-based climate adaptation and natural resource management.

The agreements also illustrate how international scientific cooperation is becoming an increasingly important component of climate governance. By combining Earth observation, local capacity-building and regional research networks, UNESCO aims to strengthen the ability of vulnerable island states to generate and use their own environmental data rather than relying solely on external expertise.

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