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The Nature Conservancy in Hawaii Home Places We Protect Forested Watersheds Invasive Species Marine Conservation Climate Change Hikes Get Involved News Room Ways of Giving Contact Us |
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By Suzanne Case
Suzanne Case
This year's convergence of Earth Day with the International Year of the Reef holds special relevance for us living in Hawai‘i.
From “small kid time,” we are steeped in the blessings of ‘āina and kai in equal measure. We use the terms “mauka” and “makai” to literally orient ourselves on a daily basis.
Like most of us born in these islands, I grew up enjoying Hawaii's natural wonders – the mountains, forests and ocean were my playground and icebox, where I freely took of nature’s pleasures and bounty.
Today, as a conservationist, I know that such bounty is not inexhaustible and can’t be taken for granted; if we only use it, we will surely lose it.
Natural Legacy in Jeopardy
Science only confirms what most Hawai‘i residents already know – that too many of our native species are endangered or have gone extinct, more than half of our native forests have been lost, and our coral reefs and fisheries are slowly degrading.
We humans are largely responsible for these changes – and for the larger threat of global warming, which impacts all life on land and in the sea.
Still, much remains to be saved and can be saved. But we must act now and we must work together if we are to succeed.
Restoring our native forests and coral reefs is essential if we are to create a sustainable future for our islands. Our native forests supply us with the fresh water that sustains life itself, while our coral reefs – the rainforests of the sea – are a reservoir of food, a source of recreation and a buffer against the destructive power of the ocean.
When we allow our forest and reefs to degrade, we lose the important ecological and economic services they provide, as well as a big part of the collective natural and cultural heritage of our islands.
Crisis Brings Opportunity
Today, many scientists, conservationists, local communities and native Hawaiians are collaborating to protect and restore our natural resources – through enhanced management, stepped-up enforcement, and a new spirit of cooperation that serves the greater good.
Crisis carries the seed of opportunity. It is healthy for us a society and as individuals to reexamine our values, the way we live and do business. In so doing, we embrace a new ethic of personal and corporate responsibility firmly grounded in knowing that nature is not apart from us, but a part of us.
At the Conservancy, we wrestle with how to best serve our mission: to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.
At a time when global warming endangers the future of our planet, our organization is striving to walk our talk. We are retrofitting our offices and changing the way we commute, meet and work to reduce energy consumption and shrink our own carbon footprint.
We call on others to join us in taking tangible, meaningful steps – whether as an individual, community or company – to cherish and safeguard our natural environment that is our island home.
It Takes All of Us
Each Earth Day reminds me how my passion for these islands has grown and deepened into a lifelong commitment to preserve them and advocate on their behalf. All who love Hawai‘i bear the kuleana to protect the natural resources that enrich our lives and make Hawai'i unique.
From mauka to makai, much remains to be done to protect our island home. Whether it’s reducing energy consumption, planting a tree or taking only what we need from the ocean, each one of us can and must do our part. It only requires a willingness to change our habits of convenience. And the courage to roll up our sleeves and get the job done.
But could the reward be any greater? If we work together as a community, bound by our love for Hawai'i, we will leave a natural legacy for future generations to cherish.
Born and raised in Hilo, Suzanne Case is the executive director of The Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i.
Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Dave Allen (Suzanne Case snorkeling); Photo © John De Mello(Suzanne and Ed Misaki on Moloka'i).
