This year marks Hawai‘i’s second annual Conservation Week, which begins today with festivities on O‘ahu. Hawai‘i, with its abundance of natural resources, seeks to encourage stewardship of the land and sea, said Gov. Linda Lingle. The state observes Conservation Week
This year marks Hawai‘i’s second annual Conservation Week, which begins today with festivities on O‘ahu.
Hawai‘i, with its abundance of natural resources, seeks to encourage stewardship of the land and sea, said Gov. Linda Lingle.
The state observes Conservation Week during the last week of July to promote effective, long-term management of Hawai‘i’s resources through collaborative meetings, trainings and outreach among land managers, educators, scientists and the general public. Events aim to raise awareness of key issues and unite Hawai‘i conservation leadership in identifying conservation-related priorities of statewide significance.
Lingle said the week is a time to reflect on progress made toward the effective management of native ecosystems and celebrate the advances in the restoration and protection of rare and endangered species and their habitats.
“We aim to increase public awareness of key conservation activities from land management to preventing and eliminating invasive species,” she said.
The week coincides with the annual Hawai‘i Conservation Conference and its symposia, forums and field trips. The conference is the largest gathering of people actively involved in the protection and management of Hawai‘i’s environment, attracting an attendance of more than 900 participants. This year the event will highlight the importance of reefs in supporting ocean life while also addressing the broader management of island ecosystems, terrestrial and marine. The convention also features keynote speakers, exhibits, tours and workshops.
The 16th annual Hawai‘i Conservation Conference is Tuesday through Thursday in Honolulu.
For more information, visit www.hawaiiconservation.org/activities.asp
