The NEMO concepts of sustainable development through improved understanding,
management and wise use of resources mirror the goals and mission of
the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant Program. Based on these shared
goals, NEMO scoping workshops were held on the islands of Hawai‘i
and Maui in early spring 2005. The NEMO scoping workshops were very
well received by all who attended. As a result of these successful
scoping workshops, Hawai‘i Sea Grant Director Gordon Grau signed
a charter making Hawai‘i part of the National NEMO network in
March 2005.
With the dramatic development of coastal areas, communities must recognize
the importance of balancing economic growth and coastal ecosystem integrity.
Many times, the weak link achieving this balance is education of local
land use decision makers. Sea Grant Extension Agents have been working
together with community groups and local, state and federal agencies
to bring about a better understanding of environmental pressures placed
on the coastal ecosystem and how to address these problems. Bringing
the NEMO program to Hawai‘i has increased the knowledge and support
structure for such efforts. |
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