Our Mission

To support partnerships dedicated to stewardship of biocultural resources. The Foundation seeks to enhance partnership driven efforts that bridge multiple knowledge systems in the implementation of a sacredness ethic in resource management. This approach is based on principles of Aloha ‘Āina and Malama ‘Āina, and integrates peer-reviewed science, ancestral wisdom, and contemporary traditional knowledge.

The Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forest's mission addresses the interdependence of thriving ecosystems, cultural practice, and sustainable livelihood, and is grounded in the Hawaiian cultural perspective that place-based relationships enhance stewardship of all features on land and ocean. This mission encourages active public participation by integrating multiple knowledge systems and expanding the dialogue between various stakeholders in biocultural stewardship efforts. We work from the perspective that all places, whether protected, inhabited, or managed, are integral to the health of the whole. This frame of reference shapes the three components of our work.

To create sustainable, bioculturally based economic opportunities at all levels that support both native ecosystems and Hawaiian culture. We will support economic development efforts that create biocultural abundance. Creating abundance is critical to both biodiversity and cultural goals, but also the need for ethical and fulfilling livelihood opportunities in resource management.

To increase knowledge of and passion for biocultural resource management among Hawaii’s youth, and support the next generation of biocultural stewards. The Foundation supports K-12 educational efforts that engage youth in biocultural restoration of tropical landscapes, ethnobotany, native seed collection, and propagation of native and cultural keystone species. By supporting these educational activities, the Foundation is helping youth understand and complete the restoration cycle — from seed to tree.