The challenges of island life: why ISLANDS focuses on remote and insular communities

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

Living on an island often means growing up surrounded by beauty. The sea defines the horizon, nature shapes daily rhythms and communities tend to be close-knit and deeply connected to their land. Yet, behind this charm, islands and remote areas share vulnerabilities that are often invisible to those who do not experience them directly. The ISLANDS project was created to address precisely these challenges, recognising that sport, community participation and environmental awareness can play a key role in shaping stronger, healthier and more resilient territories.

social isolation and limited opportunities

One of the most persistent issues in island settings is the feeling of isolation. Distances from the mainland influence not only mobility but also access to opportunities. Young people often have fewer choices when it comes to education, training or cultural experiences. Many leave to pursue careers elsewhere, and local communities struggle to maintain an active, motivated youth presence.

In this context, sport becomes a powerful tool. It offers a space to connect, grow, learn and share. It helps young people develop confidence and a sense of belonging to their community. ISLANDS builds on this by creating international exchanges, training opportunities and shared initiatives that reduce isolation and bring new perspectives into local environments.

environmental fragility and the weight of tourism

Islands are ecosystems under constant pressure. Fragile biodiversity, dependence on natural resources and exposure to climate change make them particularly vulnerable. Rising temperatures, irregular rainfall and erosion affect daily life and require immediate adaptation strategies.

Tourism adds another layer of complexity. While it brings economic benefits, it also increases waste production, energy consumption and the exploitation of natural areas. Local communities are often caught between the need to sustain their economy and the desire to protect their environment.

The ISLANDS project recognises this tension and aims to promote practices that reconcile sustainability with community development. Through environmental education, low-impact activities and awareness campaigns, the project supports a more balanced relationship between people and the places they inhabit.

the importance of inclusive and safe communities

In many remote areas, social inequalities become more visible. Access to inclusive sports facilities, opportunities for girls and young women, or safe community spaces is not always guaranteed. Stereotypes and traditional gender roles can remain deeply rooted, limiting participation and personal growth.

ISLANDS addresses these issues by promoting inclusive sports practices, training youth workers and encouraging associations to become safe and welcoming places for everyone. The goal is to show that diversity is an asset and that every island can grow stronger by embracing it fully.

building resilience together

What unites islands and remote territories is their extraordinary resilience. Communities learn to adapt, protect their traditions and support each other. ISLANDS builds on this strength. By connecting Sardinia, Ibiza and São Miguel, the project creates a network where ideas, stories and solutions can travel freely across the sea.

The challenges faced by these territories are real and complex, but they are also shared. Facing them together means building a stronger foundation for the future—one where sport, environmental awareness and community participation walk side by side.