Krishnakumar M.V.
Abstract
Island ecosystems constitute some of the most fragile and ecologically sensitive spaces in the world. Their geographical isolation, limited resource base, and dependence on coastal and marine environments make them especially vulnerable to environmental degradation. This article examines the destruction of coastal resources in selected island societies such as Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Hawaii, Solomon Islands, Maldives, and the Caribbean islands, with particular emphasis on coral reef degradation, overfishing, coral mining, deforestation, tourism pressures, pollution, and the erosion of traditional systems of resource management. It argues that colonial interventions, modernization, and poorly planned developmental policies have accelerated ecological decline by weakening indigenous ecological knowledge and sustainable practices. Through a comparative environmental-historical approach, the study highlights how island communities provide valuable lessons for global sustainability debates. The article contends that restoring coastal ecosystems requires both scientific conservation strategies and the revival of localized, community-based environmental management traditions.