Working Together To Preserve Land, Water
By Shandis Ching, pau hana coordinator, Hawaii Conservation Alliance
Hawaii Conservation Alliance (HCA) is a cooperative collaboration of conservation leaders representing 19 government, education and nonprofit organizations. Collectively, they are responsible for managing the biodiversity of Hawaii’s lands and waters. HCA also represents people who work and use land and water for social, cultural and agricultural purposes.
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The mission of HCA is to provide unified leadership and advocacy on conservation issues that are critical to Hawaii. Its purpose is to work together to continue a legacy of stewardship, promote the preservation of native terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and increase the diversity of native species while ensuring that the unique biodiversity of our islands is maintained into the future.
Each year, HCA holds a three-day conference, bringing together environmental, cultural and community experts to educate the island ohana on how to preserve natural resources in Hawaii. The first conference was held more than 20 years ago, with just 75 people in attendance. Over the last three years, there have been more than 1,000 participants in attendance each year, engaging in conversations about cultural practices and their importance and relevance to conservation. The event now has wide-reaching partnerships and participation, with youths, communities and local residents directly engaged in conservation efforts.
This year, the 21st annual HCA Conference will be held July 16-18 at Hawaii Convention Center. The theme is “Live Today, Sustain Tomorrow: Connecting People, Places, and Planet.” As always, the HCA conference is designed to be an inspiring, action-oriented event that drives positive change within our islands. A special addition to this year’s conference is the Community Connections Pau Hana, a free community event taking place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. July 17 that features tastings of locally sourced food from some of Hawaii’s top chefs, as well as Hawaiian art and music.
For more information, visit hawaiiconservation.org.
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