Final answer:
The environment acts as a pull factor for islands by creating unique and biodiverse regions which appeal to tourists and potential residents, contributing positively to local economies despite certain infrastructural and economic challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
The environment can be a significant pull factor for islands, attracting people due to their unique ecological features. The isolation and remoteness of these islands lead to extraordinary environmental conditions that foster a range of unique flora and fauna, contributing to biodiversity. This natural allure can catalyze the development of tourism, a growing sector that brings economic benefits to island communities. Despite economic challenges such as overfishing and the expense of developing infrastructure, the environmental appeal of islands can trigger migration and visitors seeking the beauty and diversity these locations offer. However, the sheer variety in ecosystems within an island, from wet windward sides to dry leeward ones, can also add to the environmental richness and appeal of these locales.