Biodiversity is essential for life, providing the resources that sustain human survival. Yet, it is rapidly declining due to habitat destruction, primarily driven by food production. The REbATE project seeks to address this crisis by integrating Circular Economy (CE) and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) principles, which focus on conserving and restoring ecosystems to promote environmental sustainability and resilience. By fostering capacity building within higher education institutions across Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles, REbATE aims to equip future leaders, professionals, and researchers with the skills and knowledge necessary to implement CE and EbA strategies. The project focuses on key areas such as social entrepreneurship, sustainable practices in the agri-food sector, and women’s leadership in CE, ensuring that these efforts are inclusive, equitable, and transformative. Ultimately, REbATE’s approach seeks to foster long-term sustainability, resilience, and gender equity in the Indian Ocean islands, contributing to the global movement for sustainable development and aligning with the EU Green Deal’s vision of harmonising economic prosperity with environmental stewardship.