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Over thousands of years, Pacific Islanders developed a large body of knowledge about the islands on which they live. Their understanding of the world around them enabled them to survive in unique environments. This body of indigenous knowledge includes understanding and managing the land and water environments.A healthy environment is important everywhere, but it is vital to those of us who live on islands. People look at the environment from different perspectives: teachers and their students learn about it through textbook and classroom experiences; scientists conduct research; conservationists engage in preservation; government agencies manage resources; and the community sees its surroundings through long-established practices that involve resource use and stewardship. When all these perspectives can be brought together, young people have the opportunity to participate in extraordinary learning experiences that are not only relevant and applicable, but integrate scientific research and indigenous knowledge.
In late July, Hawaii was the site of Ko Koa Uka, Ko Koa Kai, an institute that brought these different learning perspectives together. The workshop’s title refers to the ahupuaa, or traditional Hawaiian land division. Through this indigenous resource management system, people living near the ocean and people living near the mountains shared resources and knowledge. Ko Koa Uka, Ko Koa Kai blended Hawaiian indigenous knowledge and scientific field studies in the areas of atmosphere, water, soil, and botany to provide a rich learning experience. Holders of indigenous knowledge, scientists from the GLOBE (Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment) project, representatives from environmentally-focused government and non-profit agencies in the Pacific, and educators came together to share knowledge and perspectives. All left with a more comprehensive view of Pacific island environments.ISBN - 9788185009148
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