Creating
CHANGE For All… And for always
With Laulima, Nature Can Bounce Back Once upon a time, the Ka’–up–ulehu shore was renowned for its abundance of fish, lobster, octopus and ‘opihi. More recently? Not so much. In modern times, this small stretch of Kona coastline has suffered like many around the world. Native sea life declined, prompting many to wonder if the days of abundance would ever return.
“To ensure a strong economy, healthy communities, and vibrant opportunities for future generations, we must ensure that Hawai‘i’s oceans, fish, fresh water, plants, animals, birds and soil are thriving.”
Ulalia Woodside,
The Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i
So when the state worked with the community to establish a 10-year rest period to allow marine resources to recover, cheers rang out from a very broad coalition of scientists, cultural practitioners, volunteers and the community.
Hopes ran high that the area would become a beloved symbol of nature’s ability to sustain life once again. After just two years, the fish people like to eat are increasing in numbers—parrot
abundance back to Ka’–up–ulehu. “To ensure a strong economy, healthy communities and vibrant opportunities for future generations, we must ensure that Hawai‘i’s oceans, fish, fresh water, plants, animals, birds and soil are thriving,” says Woodside. fish in the protected area have increased by 30%, wrasses by 60%, and surgeon fish by 46%. These herbivorous fish also help keep algae from overgrowing and smothering the coral. Ka’–up–ulehu is proving that, with care and management, nature can bounce back. “Our ability to live on an island depends on thriving fisheries, healthy reefs and coral, well-functioning ecosystems and an abundance of natural resources,” says Ulalia Woodside of The Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i (TNCH), which supported community efforts to bring
Community Restoration Partnership grants from the Hawai‘i Community Foundation are helping nonprofits like TNCH assist communities across the State in reviving their coastal resources through traditional management supported by science. A unique collaboration of donors and foundations, the partnership is helping the state meet its goal of 30% healthy functioning near-shore areas by 2030. “Caring for our marine resources is not something anyone can do alone,” says Woodside. “Hawai‘i Community
Foundation is a very important partner. We rely on HCF support and appreciate their focus on uplifting the community and engaging members as valued partners in caring for our island home.” “It really comes down to this: healthy coastal lands are crucial for healthy native plant-life, wildlife, and oceans,” adds Larissa Kick, HCF’s Senior Program Officer for Community Grants and Investments. “Working toward environmental integrity and sustainability is no small task, so it will require laulima, many hands working together.”
DID YOU KNOW: Community Restoration Partnership grants at the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation have provided more than $4.7 million in funding to 52 local community organizations.
Learn how to transform your generosity into lasting change at HawaiiCommunityFoundation.org