Island Conservation
Monica McLenigan is an experienced communications professional with a strong background in environmental sustainability. As the Communications Manager – External at Island Conservation since September 2023, Monica utilizes expertise in engaging diverse audiences. Previously, as the Communications and Outreach Program Manager at Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii for four years, Monica led initiatives to educate over 250,000 individuals and organizations on plastic pollution solutions, managing outreach strategies and producing impactful educational materials. Monica has a proven track record of growing social media followings and enhancing organizational communication efforts, also holding roles in media management and event waste reduction at Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii. Earlier experience includes a sustainability leadership position at lululemon and a sea turtle nesting internship, complemented by a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources from North Carolina State University.
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Island Conservation
Our world today is experiencing a major wave of species extinctions; some estimates are 1,000 times greater than historical rates. When we lose species, ecosystems unravel, and we see and feel the direct effects on our world, livelihoods, and well-being. Islands represent the greatest concentration of both biodiversity and species extinctions. Island species are incredibly unique, yet they are highly vulnerable to novel disturbances. Invasive species are a leading cause of extinctions on islands and of biodiversity loss globally. As the threats of extinctions are highest on islands, so are our opportunities to save species at-risk. We will lose island species forever, unless we act to save them now. We believe biodiversity conservation is essential for the well-being of all humanity. To us, safeguarding biodiversity means preventing extinctions, protecting ecosystems, and sustaining critical resources on which people and nature rely on. We envision a future in which our world’s most at-risk island animals, plants, ecosystems, and communities are thriving, safeguarded from damaging invasive species and thus more resilient to other emergent conservation threats. Removing a primary threat—introduced invasive vertebrates—is one of the most critical interventions for saving threatened plants and animals and restoring island ecosystems. This is why we partner with individuals like you and organizations to prevent extinctions by removing invasive species from islands. Since our founding in 1994, Island Conservation and our partners have successfully restored 63 islands worldwide, benefiting 1173 populations of 468 species and subspecies.