Three projects aimed at assessing and addressing the impacts of global climate change have each been awarded grants of $15,000 from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature World Conservation Congress Hawai’i Climate Fund.

The projects, which were among 20 proposals addressing climate change mitigation, adaptation and education, received by the funder, are as follows:

The University of Hawai’i at Mānoa Department of Geography: The Carbon Neutrality Challenge The Department of Geography seeks to create a mechanism for individuals to calculate their carbon emissions and the number of trees they need to plant to sequester the carbon. The project has been tested at Ha‘ula and Lanikai Elementary Schools. This Hawai’i Climate Fund grant expands the program.

The Department of Geography seeks to create a mechanism for individuals to calculate their carbon emissions and the number of trees they need to plant to sequester the carbon. The project has been tested at Ha‘ula and Lanikai Elementary Schools. This Hawai’i Climate Fund grant expands the program. Kalanihale: Understanding and Responding to Climate Change Impacts on Marine Resources in South Kona A marine resource organization, Kalanihale, will use its grant to study climate impacts that have damaged reefs and depleted fish stocks that have been a food staple in the rural village of Miloli‘i.

A marine resource organization, Kalanihale, will use its grant to study climate impacts that have damaged reefs and depleted fish stocks that have been a food staple in the rural village of Miloli‘i. The Hawai‘i Forest Institute: Ho‘okala Ka Makana‘a – Ka‘upūlehu Dryland Forest The institute will use its $15,000 grant to restore two acres of dryland habitat, including removal of invasive weeds and outplanting of 300 native seedlings. This work will be accompanied by on-site cultural ecology learning events and the creation of brochures outlining climate change resources.

The IUCN World Conservation Congress Hawai‘i Climate Fund was established by the Hawaiian Airlines Foundation, the Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance Foundation and Conservation International in honor of the IUCN World Conservation Congress held in Honolulu in September 2016.

“We were so impressed by the number and quality of proposals submitted,” said Emily Gardner, executive director of the Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance. “It is inspiring to see what people in our communities are doing to combat climate change. It is truly exciting to be able to support projects from across the state that focus on the ocean, forests and neighborhoods.”

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“It became clear through the review process for these grants that Hawai‘i has many organizations connected to nature and committed to managing our environment,” added Ann Botticelli, president of the Hawaiian Airlines Foundation. “That alone was truly impressive.”

About the HCA Foundation

Founded in 2006, The Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the purpose and mission to support and advance the capacity building, native ecosystem and biocultural conservation work of the Hawaiʻi Conservation Alliance through fundraising, advocacy, and strategic outreach and communications.

About Conservation International

Conservation International uses an innovative blend of science, policy and partnerships to protect the nature people rely on for food, fresh water and livelihoods. Founded in 1987, CI works in more than 30 countries on six continents to ensure a healthy, prosperous planet that supports us all. Learn more about CI and the “Nature Is Speaking” campaign.

About Hawaiian Airlines Foundation

The Hawaiian Airlines Foundation was established in 2013 to support to Hawai‘i-based organizations that promote individual and community well-being in education, culture and the environment. The Foundation provides annual grants totaling $100,000. Now in its 88th year of continuous service, Hawaiian is Hawai‘i’s biggest and longest-serving airline. Additional information is available at HawaiianAirlines.com.