HONOLULU (September 4, 2016) – Today, the Hawaiian Airlines Foundation, the Hawaiʻi Conservation Alliance Foundation (HCAF) and Conservation International (CI) announced the creation of the 2016 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress Hawaiʻi Climate Fund. The $50,000 fund was created to honor Hawaiʻiʻs role as host of the IUCN World Conservation Congress and will provide grants to Hawaiʻi-based non-profit organizations battling the effects of climate change. Grants as high as $15,000 will be awarded to organizations involved in climate change mitigation, adaptation or education. Interested organizations may submit applications to support@hawaiiconservation.org through Nov. 1.
“Many organizations in Hawaiʻi are at the forefront of addressing the root causes of climate change or helping communities build capacity to adapt to its impacts,” said Emily Gardner, director of the Hawaiʻi Conservation Alliance Foundation. “This collaboration allows us to enhance the support for those efforts.”
“As an island state, Hawaiʻi is particularly vulnerable to the threat of climate change, including increased storms, coastal inundation, sea level rise, coral bleaching as well as other local impacts – all of which are focal points for world conservation experts over the next ten days,” noted Dr. Jack Kittinger, director of Conservation International Hawaiʻi. “CI is grateful to HCAF and the Hawaiian Airlines Foundation for joining forces to protect our natural environment.”
“As Hawai’i’s hometown carrier, Hawaiian Airlines is acutely aware of the need to support programs that protect and preserve the ecology of our islands,” said Ann Botticelli, Hawaiian Airlines Foundation president. “We are thrilled to use our resources to leverage the good work of HCAF and CI.”
Funding consideration will be given to organizations that implement nature-based solutions to mitigate, capture and sequester carbon or provide outreach and education designed to drive behavioral changes to reduce climate change impacts. Grants will be awarded by Dec. 2.
About the HCA Foundation
Founded in 2006, The Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance Foundation (HCAF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with the purpose and mission to support and advance the capacity building, native ecosystem and biocultural conservation work of the Hawaiʻi Conservation Alliance (HCA) through fundraising, advocacy, and strategic outreach and communications.
About Conservation International
Conservation International (CI) uses an innovative blend of science, policy and partnerships to protect the nature people rely on for food, fresh water and livelihoods. Founded in 1987, CI works in more than 30 countries on six continents to ensure a healthy, prosperous planet that supports us all. Learn more about CI and the "Nature Is Speaking" campaign, and follow CI's work on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.
About Hawaiian Airlines Foundation
The Hawaiian Airlines Foundation was established in 2013 to support Hawai’i-based organizations that promote individual and community well-being in education, culture and the environment. The Foundation provides annual grants totaling $100,000. Now in its 87th year of continuous service, Hawaiian Airlines is Hawai‘i’s biggest and longest-serving airline. Additional information is available at HawaiianAirlines.com. Follow updates on Twitter about Hawaiian (@HawaiianAir) and become a fan on its Facebook page.