The 2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress was kick-started on Tuesday night with the event, “He Pūkoʻa Kani ʻĀina: Biocultural Conservation Stories from Pacific Island Youth”. A group of amazingly talented and passionate young people representing Fiji, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Hawaiʻi described the environmental and social changes happening in their islands, and shared wisdom far beyond their years. It was a night of poetry, music, dance, and connections. Mahalo nui loa to all of the young people who spoke, sang and danced, and to the organizers of this incredible evening!
The event took place on August 30, 2016 at the Hawaiian Convention Center’s Auditorium. The sponsors included Hauʻoli Mau Loa Foundation, Kamehameha Schools, the EPA, the IUCN World Conservation Congress, the Marshall Islands Marine Resource Authority, Kupu, Conservation Connections, the Hawaiʻi Conservation Alliance, and the Hawaiʻi Conservation Alliance Foundation.
All photos courtesy of Wendy Miles (PICCC Adaptation Initiatives Coordinator)
