Founded in St. Thomas in 1972 by Dr. Edward L. Towle, Ph.D., Island Resources Foundation was a leader in focusing scientific and technical attention to the unique social and environmental conditions of small tropical islands. Since 1972 the Foundation has achieved widespread recognition for its efforts (over 200 projects costing over $8 million) in designing innovative adaptive uses of natural and cultural resources in small island systems. The current  focus of Island Resources activities is on: 1) integrated coastal zone and watershed management strategies; 2.) scientific and technical studies for biodiversity conservation; and 3) environmental information management for decision making. The Foundation is especially adept at institutional capacity building (an explicit objective of most projects), disaster mitigation and strategies to develop sustainable tourism.