The role of storytelling and social media in promoting conservation on Big Island Hawaii

Big Island Hawaii is a place of wonder and beauty, where volcanoes, waterfalls, rainforests, beaches, and coral reefs create a stunning natural mosaic. It is also a place of culture and history, where Native Hawaiians have lived for centuries and developed a rich and diverse heritage. But Big Island Hawaii is also a place of challenges and threats, where its environment and resources are under pressure from climate change, invasive species, development, and tourism. How can we raise awareness and inspire action to protect and preserve this precious place? One of the ways is through storytelling and social media.

Storytelling is the art of sharing stories that convey meaning, emotion, and values. It is a powerful tool for communication and education, as it can capture the attention, imagination, and empathy of the audience. Storytelling can also motivate people to change their behavior or support a cause, as it can appeal to their emotions and logic. Storytelling can take many forms, such as oral narratives, written texts, images, videos, podcasts, or interactive media.

Social media is the use of online platforms and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking. It is a popular and influential medium for communication and information, as it can reach millions of people around the world in real time. Social media can also facilitate engagement and interaction among users, as it can enable them to comment, like, share, or follow content or accounts that interest them. Social media can take many forms, such as blogs, microblogs, social networks, forums, wikis, podcasts, or video-sharing sites.

Storytelling and social media can work together to promote conservation on Big Island Hawaii by:

• Educating the public about the natural and cultural diversity and significance of Big Island Hawaii, as well as the challenges and threats it faces.
• Showcasing the conservation efforts and achievements of local organizations and communities that work to protect and restore Big Island Hawaii’s environment and resources.
• Highlighting the benefits and opportunities of sustainable tourism and responsible travel that respect and support Big Island Hawaii’s nature and culture.
• Encouraging the public to get involved in conservation activities or initiatives that suit their interests and abilities.
• Celebrating the beauty and joy of Big Island Hawaii through inspiring stories and images that foster appreciation and connection.

Some examples of storytelling and social media projects that aim to promote conservation on Big Island Hawaii are:

• The New York Times article “A Rush to See Hawaii’s Eruption Reveals Social Fissures on the Big Island” by Simon Romero¹, which explores the cultural tensions and environmental issues surrounding the recent eruption of Mauna Loa volcano.
• The Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaiʻi website², which provides information and resources on how to travel responsibly in Hawaiʻi and showcases its certified operators that offer sustainable tourism products and services.
• The blog post “10 BEST ECO-RESORTS IN HAWAII: SUSTAINABILITY MEETS LUXURY” by Jackson Groves³, which reviews some of the best eco-friendly accommodation options on Big Island Hawaii that combine comfort and conservation.
• The GIVE Hawaiʻi Forest Conservation & Responsible Tourism Excursion, which offers a volunteer opportunity for travelers to participate in forest restoration, marine conservation, and regenerative farming projects on Big Island Hawaii.

By using storytelling and social media to promote conservation on Big Island Hawaii, we can not only inform and educate the public but also inspire and empower them to take action and make a difference. We can also share and celebrate the stories and images that make Big Island Hawaii a unique and precious place.