Reviving Ahupua'a: Hawaii's Indigenous Communities Restore Ancient Stewardship and Spark a Conservation Movement

How To Protect The Ocean · May 8, 2023 · 21m

Indigenous communities in Hawaii are reviving an ancient stewardship and conservation system known as ahupua'a. The system divides the islands into long wedges running from the mountains to the ocean and allows for the holistic management of resources. Three communities—Hā'ena, Heʻeia, and Kaʻūpūlehu—have successfully restored ahupua'a practices and co-manage resources with government and private landowners. They have established Indigenous and community-conserved areas (ICCAs) within their territories, leveraging rights and resources previously taken from them. The communities' efforts have…