To restore function in a degraded but historically, culturally, and ecologically important watershed on O‘ahu’s Eastern Coast, The Nature Conservancy worked closely with local partners and used an adaptive management approach to ensure successful wetland restoration.
Follow the link below to access this case study published by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation:
This project acknowledged the cultural and ecological significance of the restoration site, addressing past damage and promoting equitable climate resilience. From the outset, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) partnered with local organizations to correct historical power imbalances. Through community partnerships, diverse perspectives were incorporated, empowering the community to contribute to the restoration plans. TNC leveraged community expertise for technical aspects, strengthening relationships and ensuring long-term effectiveness and sustainability of the restored site. Throughout its efforts, TNC discovered significant volunteer support, which underscored community backing for the project. It also highlighted the abundant co-benefits of community partnerships, elevated community voices, and employed a community-centered approach for restoration efforts. As the project progresses, it remains adaptable. TNC personnel are collaborating with additional partners and revisiting their organizational composition to meet evolving community and site needs.
Image Credit
Splash screen from NFWF Case Study
