Inspiring Quotes about the Importance of Conservation on Big Island Hawaii

Big Island Hawaii is a place of awe and wonder, with a rich and diverse natural and cultural heritage. The island is home to some of the most spectacular and unique wildlife and ecosystems in the world, such as the active volcanoes of Kilauea and Mauna Loa, the green sand beach of Papakolea, the endangered Hawaiian monk seal and nene, and the World Heritage Site of Papahānaumokuākea. The island is also a place of history and culture, with a long and complex story that spans from the ancient Polynesian voyagers who first settled the islands, to the Hawaiian Kingdom that unified and governed them, to the modern state that embraces them. The island’s natural and cultural heritage is a source of beauty, knowledge, wisdom, and inspiration for many people who live on or visit the island. However, this natural and cultural heritage is also under threat from various factors, such as habitat loss, invasive species, climate change, and human activities. Conservation is vital to protect and restore Big Island Hawaii’s natural and cultural heritage and ensure its survival for future generations. Conservation is also a matter of respect and responsibility for the island’s lands and seas and the people who depend on them. Here are some inspiring quotes about the importance of conservation on Big Island Hawaii:

• “The land is chief; man is its servant.” – Hawaiian proverb. This proverb expresses the Native Hawaiian concept of aloha ʻāina (love for the land), which is based on the belief that humans are not separate from nature, but part of it. Humans have a duty to care for the land as their ancestor and provider, and to use its resources wisely and sustainably.
• “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.” – King Kamehameha III. This motto was adopted by the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi in 1843 after it regained its sovereignty from Britain. It reflects the Hawaiian value of pono (righteousness), which means to act with integrity, justice, balance, and harmony in relation to oneself, others, and nature.
• “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” – Native American proverb. This proverb reminds us that we are not owners of the earth, but stewards of it. We have a moral obligation to leave the earth in a better condition than we found it for our children and grandchildren.
• “In nature nothing exists alone.” – Rachel Carson. This quote is from the famous environmentalist and author of Silent Spring, which exposed the harmful effects of pesticides on wildlife and humans. It emphasizes the interdependence and interconnectedness of all living things on Earth, and how our actions can affect others in ways we may not realize.
• “Conservation means harmony between men and land.” – Aldo Leopold. This quote is from the influential conservationist and author of A Sand County Almanac, which advocated for a land ethic that respects and values nature for its own sake. It suggests that conservation is not only about protecting nature from humans, but also about creating a harmonious relationship between humans and nature that benefits both.
• “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” – Robert Swan. This quote is from the first person to walk to both poles of the Earth. It warns us against complacency and apathy when it comes to environmental issues, and urges us to take action ourselves instead of relying on others.
• “The Earth does not belong to us: we belong to the Earth.” – Marlee Matlin. This quote is from the Academy Award-winning actress and environmental activist. It challenges us to rethink our relationship with nature, and to recognize that we are part of a larger whole that we need to respect and protect.

Big Island Hawaii’s natural and cultural heritage is a precious gift that we have inherited from our ancestors and that we have a duty to pass on to our descendants. It is also a source of inspiration that can motivate us to act for conservation. By reading and reflecting on these inspiring quotes about conservation on Big Island Hawaii, we can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the island’s natural and cultural heritage, and what we can do to preserve it for ourselves and future generations.