|
What is a Coastal Partnership?The overall goal is to protect coastal and marine reef ecosystems. To do this, we cannot solely focus on the ocean. Collective management is needed from ridge to reef, or mauka to makai, and all of us have a role in protecting these vital ecosystems.
|
The Problem
|
The South Kohala coral reef ecosystem extends from the northern boundary of the Kawaihae ahupuaʻa to the southern end of ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay. These coral reefs ecosystems are a vital and irreplaceable cultural, social, recreational, and economic resource.
Unfortunately, there are several factors threatening the quality of coral reef ecosystems in South Kohala such as anthropogenic threats including land-based sources of pollution, climate change, and unsustainable fishing practices. |
|
ʻAʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia
No task it too big when shared by all.
No task it too big when shared by all.
The formation of the Coastal Partnership
2010: South Kohala’s coral reef ecosystem was designated a priority area by the Hawaiʻi Coral Reef Strategy working group – a statewide group of marine managers and scientists committed to understanding and improving the health of Hawaii's marine resources.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources’ (DLNR) Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), sought community guidance on actions to better manage coastal and marine life. To try and find solutions to these problems community members of diverse backgrounds including resource managers, scientists, educators, cultural practitioners, and business owners came together to discuss and develop a shared vision and an action plan.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources’ (DLNR) Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), sought community guidance on actions to better manage coastal and marine life. To try and find solutions to these problems community members of diverse backgrounds including resource managers, scientists, educators, cultural practitioners, and business owners came together to discuss and develop a shared vision and an action plan.
The vision: A restored, healthy, abundant and resilient South Kohala coastal system cared for and cherished by an island community guided by the values and traditions of South Kohala.
2012: Resulting from a two-year process, over 70 agency, community, non-profit, and individual partners collectively developed and finalized the 2012 South Kohala Conservation Action Plan (SKCAP) to focus actions on highly effective strategies to manage and sustain South Kohala’s valuable coastal ecosystems by addressing threats.
2013: Partners realized the need for a sustained commitment to implementing the SKCAP and protecting coastal and marine ecosystems. The result was the formation of the South Kohala Coastal Partnership.
2019: The new South Kohala Coastal Action Plan 2030: A Climate--Smart Conservation Strategy (SKCAP 2030) was collaboratively developed and completed. SKCAP 2030 expands upon the 2012 plan and focuses on integrating the increasing body of knowledge on the local impacts from global climate change. The SKCAP 2030 continues to guide the actions of the partnership today.
2013: Partners realized the need for a sustained commitment to implementing the SKCAP and protecting coastal and marine ecosystems. The result was the formation of the South Kohala Coastal Partnership.
2019: The new South Kohala Coastal Action Plan 2030: A Climate--Smart Conservation Strategy (SKCAP 2030) was collaboratively developed and completed. SKCAP 2030 expands upon the 2012 plan and focuses on integrating the increasing body of knowledge on the local impacts from global climate change. The SKCAP 2030 continues to guide the actions of the partnership today.
Mahalo for visiting our site!
If you are interested in learning more or joining the South Kohala Coastal Partnership, please contact the South Kohala Coastal Partnership coordinator Lauren Kurpita at [email protected]
If you are interested in learning more or joining the South Kohala Coastal Partnership, please contact the South Kohala Coastal Partnership coordinator Lauren Kurpita at [email protected]