Global Futures Laboratory
Āko'ako'a Reef Restoration Program
Āko'ako'a Reef Restoration Program
Learn more about your impact
Coral reefs are the most vulnerable ecosystems on the planet. In Hawaiʻi they are under threat from warming oceans, from coastal pollution, and from over-fishing. To tackle this degradation, the program's mission is to empower communities of West Hawaiʻi Island with the best available science to restore their interconnected relationship with their coral reefs. This mission is realized through the cohesive integration of culture, science, education, and government, each playing a crucial role in rejuvenating West Hawaiʻi's marine ecosystems. Learn more about Āko'ako'a Reef Restoration Program.
With such multi-faceted threats facing our reefs, the program needs people of every skill and background to make change. Whether you are a lifelong member of the community, a visitor to the island, or a supporter from afar, your passion is needed.
Impact of donor support
Because of you:
- Pivotal decisions are put into action. The current threats facing West Hawaiʻi's Coral Reefs require a holistic transformation. Your gift accelerates wide-reaching, collaborative work in the community and in the government to scale reef restoration.
- More communities live happier, healthier lives. Your support advances culturally informed community outreach, reef-positive policies, technologies and research along the coastline.
- A sustainable future for Hawaiʻi is possible. You support the coral reef restoration operations for an empowered generation of reef guardians.
- Under $250 - This level of support enables us to buy water quality test kits, hammers and chisels for preparing corals in our nursery, as well as other educational materials on coral restoration.
- $250 to $1,500 - This level of support will help us increase boat time to salvage more corals of opportunity, engage more community members and purchase technical gear.
- $1,500 to $5,000 - This level of support will enable us to train more people in our Restoration Technician Vocational training program.
- $5,000 and above - This level of support will fund a coral raceway, maintain our coral facility or help hire additional staff to accelerate our restoration efforts.
Coral reefs on the West Hawaiʻi coastline are at a crucial tipping point. If we act now and harness the best available science in reef restoration, we can ensure that future generations enjoy their brilliance and beauty.”