Report on the Ecological and Societal Importance of Hawaiian Native Forests in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

This report analyzes the critical role of Hawaiʻi’s native forests as life-sustaining ecosystems. It highlights their function in supporting environmental stability, biodiversity, and community well-being, with a significant emphasis on their contribution to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Forests as a Foundation for Water Security and Climate Resilience

Contribution to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Hawaiian forests are fundamental to securing a sustainable freshwater supply, directly supporting the objectives of SDG 6. The traditional saying, “Hahai no ka ua i ka ʻulu lāʻau” (The rain follows the forest), underscores this vital connection.

• Watershed Protection: Native forests function as natural sponges, capturing rainfall and facilitating its slow release into streams and rivers.
• Aquifer Replenishment: This process enables the effective filtration and replenishment of underground aquifers, which are the primary source of fresh water for the islands.
• Water Quality: By filtering water and preventing erosion, forests ensure high water quality for both human consumption and aquatic ecosystems.

Contribution to SDG 13: Climate Action

Healthy forest ecosystems enhance the islands’ resilience to the impacts of climate change, a core component of SDG 13.

• Risk Reduction: Intact forests mitigate the risks of flooding, erosion, and wildfires, which are exacerbated by changing climate patterns.
• Carbon Sequestration: Forests serve as natural carbon sinks, and community actions to reduce carbon footprints further support their preservation and contribution to climate mitigation.

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Integrity

Contribution to SDG 15: Life on Land

The protection of Hawaiian forests is synonymous with the targets of SDG 15, which focuses on halting biodiversity loss and restoring terrestrial ecosystems. Forests are complex, interconnected communities where each organism plays a specific role.

Key Ecological Functions of Native Species

• Pollinators: Native birds, such as the ‘apapane and ‘amakihi, and various insects are essential for the pollination and survival of endemic plant species.
• Seed Dispersers: Birds like the puaiohi facilitate forest regeneration by transporting seeds to new locations, enhancing plant diversity.
• Pest Controllers: Predatory species, including the ‘io (Hawaiian hawk), spiders, and wasps, maintain ecological balance by regulating pest populations.
• Decomposers: Beetles, snails, and fungi are vital for nutrient cycling, recycling organic matter back into the soil to support new growth.

The decline of these species due to habitat loss and invasive species directly threatens the resilience of forest ecosystems and undermines progress toward SDG 15.

Integrated Management: From Mauka to Makai

Contribution to SDG 14: Life Below Water

The health of terrestrial ecosystems is directly linked to marine health, a principle central to SDG 14. The traditional ahupua‘a system of resource management exemplifies this interconnectedness.

• Sediment Runoff Prevention: Healthy forests prevent soil erosion, thereby reducing sediment runoff into rivers and coastal waters.
• Coral Reef Protection: By maintaining water clarity and quality, forests protect fragile coral reefs and marine ecosystems from sedimentation and pollution.
• Case Study: Alaka‘i Swamp: This high-elevation rainforest on Kaua‘i anchors the watershed system, supplying freshwater to major rivers and demonstrating the critical link between land and sea that supports both terrestrial and marine biodiversity.

Threats to Forest Health and Sustainable Development

Hawaiʻi’s forests face significant threats that jeopardize the achievement of multiple SDGs. Addressing these challenges is imperative for a sustainable future.

Primary Threats

• Invasive Species: Non-native plants and animals disrupt ecological balance, outcompete native species, and degrade habitats.
• Climate Change: Altered weather patterns and rising temperatures increase stress on native ecosystems and create favorable conditions for threats like avian malaria.
• Habitat Loss: Deforestation and land development lead to the direct loss of critical habitats for endemic species.

Recommendations for Community Action and Stewardship

A collective responsibility (kuleana) exists to protect and restore the native forests that sustain Hawaiʻi. Community-driven initiatives are essential for making progress on SDGs 6, 13, 14, and 15.

Actionable Steps for Forest Stewardship

1. Support Conservation Efforts: Participate in and support community-driven reforestation projects and educational programs.
2. Promote Native Species: Actively plant native species and assist in the control and removal of invasive plants.
3. Engage in Sustainable Practices: Reduce personal carbon footprints to mitigate climate change and its impact on forest ecosystems.
4. Advocate for Policy: Support policies and initiatives, such as the “Year of the Community Forests,” that promote the conservation and sustainable management of forest resources.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on protecting Hawaiʻi’s native forests connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by highlighting the interconnectedness of ecosystems, water resources, climate, and community well-being.

• SDG 15: Life on Land: This is the most prominent SDG addressed. The article’s central theme is the protection and restoration of native forests, which are terrestrial ecosystems. It discusses the importance of biodiversity (native birds, insects, snails), the threats of habitat loss and invasive species, and the need for conservation and reforestation efforts.
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: The article extensively discusses the role of forests in watershed protection. It states that forests “act as natural sponges, capturing rain and slowly releasing it into streams and rivers, while also filtering water into aquifers,” directly linking forest health to the availability and quality of freshwater resources.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: Climate change is identified as a “growing threat” to Hawaiʻi’s forest ecosystems. The article calls for actions to “mitigate the effects of climate change,” such as reducing carbon footprints, which aligns with the goal of combating climate change and its impacts.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water: The article establishes a direct link between terrestrial and marine ecosystems (“mauka to makai”). It explains that healthy forests protect “coral reefs by preventing sediment runoff,” connecting forest conservation on land to the health of marine ecosystems.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The article touches upon this goal by emphasizing the cultural and community aspects of forest protection. It mentions the traditional “ahupua‘a system” of sustainable resource management and calls for “community-driven initiatives” and education programs, framing forest stewardship as essential for safeguarding community and cultural heritage.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the issues discussed, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests…
   • Explanation: The entire article is a call to “protect and nurture the native forests that sustain Hawaiʻi,” directly aligning with the conservation and restoration of forest ecosystems and their services (like providing water and habitat).
2. Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.
   • Explanation: The article advocates for “reforestation projects” and empowering individuals to “take an active role in forest stewardship,” which supports the goal of restoring forests.
3. Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
   • Explanation: The article highlights the “decline of native birds and insects from habitat loss, invasive species and climate change” and calls to “protect native wildlife,” which is central to this target.
4. Target 15.8: By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems…
   • Explanation: The text explicitly names “invasive species” as a growing threat and suggests “controlling invasive plants” as a key action for citizens to take.
5. Target 6.6: By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes.
   • Explanation: The article’s focus on how “forests play a vital role in protecting and replenishing our watersheds” and filtering water into aquifers directly corresponds to this target.
6. Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts…
   • Explanation: The article connects forest health to marine life by stating that managing forests helps in “protecting coral reefs by preventing sediment runoff.”
7. Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
   • Explanation: The article frames forest protection as “safeguarding water, culture, and community for future generations” and references the traditional ahupua‘a system, linking conservation to cultural heritage.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not mention official SDG indicators, but it implies several measurable factors that could be used to track progress:

• Indicator for Biodiversity (Target 15.5): The article implies that the population health and diversity of native species are key indicators. Progress could be measured by tracking the populations of native birds (e.g., ‘apapane, puaiohi), insects, and snails mentioned in the text. A reduction in their decline would signify success.
• Indicator for Invasive Species (Target 15.8): The prevalence and spread of invasive species like Miconia are implied indicators of ecosystem threat. Progress could be measured by the reduction in the area covered by such invasive plants and the success of control efforts.
• Indicator for Reforestation (Target 15.2): The article calls for “reforestation projects” and “planting native species.” An implied indicator would be the total area of land reforested or the number of native trees planted through community initiatives.
• Indicator for Watershed Health (Target 6.6): The text emphasizes that forests ensure a “steady freshwater supply” and maintain “water quality.” Therefore, implied indicators would be the measurement of water quality in streams and aquifers and the volume of freshwater replenishment in watersheds connected to the forests.
• Indicator for Community Engagement (Target 11.4): The call for “community-driven initiatives” and “education programs” suggests that the level of public participation in conservation activities could be an indicator. This could be measured by the number of volunteers in reforestation projects or participation in educational workshops.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: civilbeat.org