The Hawaii Conservation Alliance: Leaders in Environmental Management, Research and Education

Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) International Year of the Reef Mural Display HIMB has facilitated greater awareness and education of the current science occurring in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, as well as encouraged a greater interest in marine sciences from our local students in honor of 2008 International Year of the Reef. The three schools that participated in the program included: Kamehameha Schools Marine Science Program, Castle High School and King Intermediate. Over 130 students received a demonstration on the science in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and had the opportunity to participate and paint an interactive mural. Two 4 x 6 canvases were created and one outdoor wall mural. The goal of this program is to encourage reef stewardship, knowledge of marine research and the reef ecosystem across the Hawaiian Archipelago, and to spark student’s interest in the field of marine sciences.

Wyland Year of the Reef Display Acclaimed marine life artist and advocate Wyland has generously donated a few of his pieces to be displayed at this year’s conference. His new “Year of the Reef” work is on display with generous support from the Wyland Currently the artist is painting a wall mural to celebrate the ICRI International Year of the Reef 2008. The artist’s work has garnered him a place in the Guinness Book for World Records, and a place on the front lines for preserving marine life throughout the world. He is the author of more than 18 books and his non-profit Wyland Foundation is actively involved in clean water education. This year, as an official artist for the 2008 United States Olympic Team, Wyland has raised awareness about the “Green Olympics,” an international movement to focus attention on the environment during the Olympic year.

Ocean and Me Contest Display Staff from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the state Division of Aquatic Resources, Mālama Hawai‘i and The Nature Conservancy worket to judge the Ocean and Me contest in honor of International Year of the Reef. Artwork was selected for an upcoming calendar and art exhibit at the Parents and Children Together office in Kalihi. More than 1,000 submissions were received from children in kindergarten through 12th grade. The theme for this year’s art contest was “The Ocean and Me.” Some of the selected works have been lent for this years art display.