natural resource workforce panel - hiconcon2025
HWFC at #HiConCon2025 - Hawai’i Conservation Conference.
We’re proud to share that the Hawai‘i Workforce Funders Collaborative (HWFC) participated in the plenary panel session at the Hawai‘i Conservation Conference (HCC) July 23, 2025. Hosted by the Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance (HCA), this annual gathering brings together conservation professionals, researchers, and community leaders to advance collaborative efforts in protecting Hawai‘i’s unique natural resources.
🌱 NextGen Voices, Rooted Futures 🌱
The Workforce Panel Plenary Session was more than a panel—it was a powerful reminder of how Hawai‘i’s future in conservation is being shaped by the next generation. As the panel facilitator, our HWFC Executive Director Matt Stevens helped guide a conversation that lifted up the voices of #NextGen youth leaders and KUPU alumni who are already making meaningful contributions to stewarding Hawai‘i’s lands and waters. Their stories were personal, emotional, and deeply rooted in place. From returning home to reconnect with ʻāina, to finding and engaging with mentors who helped turn passion into purpose, each voice reflected the heart of why investing in a local, inclusive conservation workforce matters.
We walked away inspired by the courage, clarity, and kuleana these young leaders carry—and energized to keep building systems that support their growth.
Mahalo to the Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance and all our incredible panelists for reminding us: the future of conservation in Hawai‘i is here, and it’s bright.
To learn more about the growth and retention of local workforce in this field, check out the following resources shared during yesterdayʻs panel:
Growth & Retention of Local Workforce for Biocultural Resources Conservation: https://www.hawaiiwork.org/reports/template-stexd-3dclx
The Natural Resources Sector Partnership: https://www.hawaiiwork.org/worker-equity-lab/july14-nrsp-eliaherman-webinar
Good Jobs Hawaiʻi Framework: https://www.hawaiiwork.org/reports/a-good-job-in-hawaii-an-alternative-framework-for-prosperity-and-wellbeing
🔍 Plenary Spotlight: “Hawai‘i Local Natural Resource Workforce Panel”
📍 Session Location: Room 316 B/C, Hawai’i Convention Center
📅 Date & Time: Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
🗂️ Session Type: Plenary
🏆 Alliance Award Presented: Conservation Innovation
This year’s plenary, organized by HCA’s Nāhululeihiwakuipapa Subcommittee, spotlighted the opportunities and challenges in developing and retaining a strong local workforce for conservation and natural resource management. The panel provided a platform for voices across sectors and generations—including community organizations, agencies, and next-generation youth leaders—working to ensure that conservation careers are accessible, inclusive, and rooted in local knowledge and values.
The panel offered fresh perspectives on cross-sector collaboration and workforce investment strategies to strengthen conservation career pathways in Hawai‘i. We were honored to contribute to this important conversation alongside partners such as:
Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance
Natural Resource Sector Partnership
Kupu Program Youth Alumni
Emerging Youth Leaders in Conservation
🏆 Celebrating Innovation: Conservation Innovation Award
Since 2006, the Conservation Innovation Award has recognized changemakers whose creative ideas or technologies significantly improve conservation practices across the islands. Whether through legislative breakthroughs, grassroots movements, or new workforce programs, this award celebrates forward-thinking solutions that uplift both our ʻāina and our communities.
As we look toward the future of environmental stewardship in Hawaiʻi, HWFC remains committed to supporting inclusive workforce development and investing in the next generation of conservation leaders.
📍 To learn more about local careers and training pathways available in Hawai'i's Natural Resource and Conservation Sector, join us on July 14th 10am for a webinar with Elia Herman, Co-Convener of the Natural Resource Sector Partnership .
📍 To learn more about the Hawai‘i Conservation Conference, join us and register here.
