How to Support Conservation Research and Efforts on Big Island Hawaii

Big Island Hawaii is a hotspot of biodiversity and natural beauty, with a rich and diverse array of wildlife and ecosystems. However, these wildlife and ecosystems are also facing serious threats from habitat loss, invasive species, climate change, and human activities. Conservation research and efforts are vital to protect and restore Big Island Hawaii’s natural heritage and ensure its survival for future generations. But how can we support conservation research and efforts on Big Island Hawaii? Here are some ways that we can help:

• Donate to conservation organizations and programs. One of the most direct and effective ways to support conservation research and efforts on Big Island Hawaii is to donate money to reputable conservation organizations and programs that work on the island. For example, you can donate to the Hawai‘i Conservation Program, which is a partnership between the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and other public and private partners that aims to strategically protect and enhance essential habitats in Hawai‘i, from mauka to makai (from the mountains to the ocean), to reduce extinction risk and sustain resilient populations of native species¹. You can also donate to the Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance, which is a partnership of organizations and agencies working together to provide unified leadership and collaborative action to conserve and restore native ecosystems and the unique biodiversity of the islands². You can also donate to specific conservation projects and programs that focus on particular wildlife or ecosystems, such as the Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund, which leads research, monitoring and conservation efforts to help protect Hawaiʻi’s fragile marine ecosystem by actively engaging the community in research, education and conservation projects⁴.
• Volunteer for conservation activities and events. Another way to support conservation research and efforts on Big Island Hawaii is to volunteer your time and skills for conservation activities and events that take place on the island. For example, you can volunteer for beach clean-ups, forest restoration, wildlife surveys, citizen science, environmental education, outreach, advocacy, fundraising, and more. You can find volunteer opportunities on Conservation Connections, which is a website that connects people who want to get involved in conservation with organizations that need their help². You can also check out the websites of conservation organizations and programs that work on Big Island Hawaii for volunteer opportunities that match your interests and abilities.
• Learn more about conservation issues and solutions. A third way to support conservation research and efforts on Big Island Hawaii is to learn more about the conservation issues and solutions that affect the island’s wildlife and ecosystems. You can educate yourself by reading books, articles, reports, newsletters, blogs, podcasts, videos, and other media that provide information and insights on conservation topics relevant to Big Island Hawaii. You can also attend webinars, workshops, seminars, conferences, festivals, tours, exhibits, and other events that showcase conservation research and efforts on Big Island Hawaii. You can find these resources and events on the websites of conservation organizations and programs that work on Big Island Hawaii or on Conservation Connections².
• Spread the word about conservation. A fourth way to support conservation research and efforts on Big Island Hawaii is to spread the word about conservation to your family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, social media followers, and anyone else who might be interested or influenced by your message. You can share your knowledge, experiences, opinions, stories, photos, videos, links, hashtags, petitions, campaigns, actions, events, and anything else that can raise awareness and inspire action for conservation on Big Island Hawaii. You can also join or start a conversation about conservation with others who share your passion or curiosity for nature. By spreading the word about conservation, you can help create a culture of aloha (love) for Big Island Hawaii’s lands and seas.

Big Island Hawaii’s wildlife and ecosystems need our support more than ever. By donating to conservation organizations and programs, volunteering for conservation activities and events, learning more about conservation issues and solutions, and spreading the word about conservation, we can make a difference for Big Island Hawaii’s natural heritage and future.

Source:
(1) Hawai‘i Conservation Program | NFWF. https://www.nfwf.org/programs/hawaii-conservation-program.
(2) Hawaii Conservation Alliance. https://www.hawaiiconservation.org/.
(3) Our favorite charities to donate to for the Big Island. https://www.lovebigisland.com/charities/.
(4) How ‘Green Fees’ Might Offset The Hidden Costs Of Tourism In Hawaii. https://www.civilbeat.org/2019/10/how-green-fees-might-offset-the-hidden-costs-of-tourism-in-hawaii/.