MEDIA RELEASE

The University of Hawaii at Hilo recently became a member of the Hawaii Conservation Alliance, a statewide joint partnership between conservation-focused government, education, and non-profit organizations.

There are 19 members of the collaborative group working together to manage the biodiversity of Hawaii’s lands and waters. HCA members also include those who work with land and water for social, cultural, and agricultural purposes.

“UH Hilo’s efforts in conservation research on important issues such as climate change, endangered and invasive species, and ecosystem management have grown significantly over the last 15 years,” said Donald Straney, chancellor at UH Hilo. “Those activities provide a rich learning laboratory for our students and create strong ties with the community and our agency partners.”

Jim Beets, professor of marine science, will represent UH Hilo on the HCA Steering Committee.

Members of HCA include the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Park Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Geological Survey, Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Bishop Museum, and Kamehameha Schools, among others.

“HCA provides unified leadership and advocacy on conservation issues critical to Hawaii,” Straney said. “UH Hilo focuses on connecting its research and efforts to our island community through its students, faculty and partnerships. We look forward to collaborating with these groups and organizations to address the urgent conservation issues facing our state.”

Each year, HCA hosts the Hawaii Conservation Conference which brings together researchers, resource managers, community members and educators. Over the last several years UH Hilo faculty, staff and students have given noteworthy presentations at the conference.

This year’s conference is July 31-Aug. 2 in Honolulu.

— Find out more:
www.hawaiiconservation.org