“How is the land? The land is thriving!” This transformative program in Hawaiʻi County is redefining local governance by grounding decision-making in cultural values and fostering thriving connections between land, people, and government. Inspired by traditional Hawaiian practices, this initiative seeks to align government operations with the principle of ʻāina as the first governance, where land is viewed as a chief, elder, and vital family member. Since its inception nearly two years ago, the program has engaged local government practitioners through Communities of Practice (COPs) and Quarterly Convenings, creating space to build relationships, heal trust, and embrace cultural practices.

In 2024, Pehea Ka ʻĀina? Ola Ka ʻĀina! was highlighted as part of the Local2030 Islands Network Communities of Practice in-person gathering in April of this year. Leaders of this work, Maliaonani Silva-Meeken and Hokulani Fortunato, inspired attendees by sharing their vision and experiences, emphasizing the program’s potential to transform governance by centering cultural and ecological sustainability. View their presentation here.

On November 15th, local government practitioners gathered at Lehia, also known as King’s Landing, for the 6th “Pehea Ka ʻĀina? Ola Ka ʻĀina” quarterly convening, hosted by ʻĀinaaloha Loane of the Keliʻi William Ioane Legacy Foundation. Participants engaged in grounding protocols, learned about the land’s history and evolving uses, explored the foundation’s initiatives, and shared updates on projects such as conducting protocol for the Hawaiʻi County Employee Recognition event. The day concluded with a service project to prepare the field for Makahiki games and plant Milo trees along the coastline. The next convening, celebrating the two year anniversary of the program, is planned for spring 2025.

Through Pehea Ka ʻĀina? Ola Ka ʻĀina!, Hawaiʻi County is working to rediscover Hawaiʻi’s soul by fostering a governance model rooted in respect for ʻāina and its people.

The Barbados Roofs to Reefs Programme (R2RP) is a comprehensive, integrated national initiative designed to foster the resilient development of Barbados. This holistic programme addresses challenges at the individual, community, and national levels, serving as the country’s development model for the next decade. Rooted in principles of sustainable development and climate change adaptation, R2RP is primarily a physical development programme focused on enhancing resilience of the built environment and natural ecosystems.

In addition to its physical development goals focused on resilience building in the face of a changing climate, R2RP supports the advancement of Barbados’ policy framework to meet its long-term policy objectives. As a public-private investment initiative, it operationalizes national policies and plans for development and climate adaptation, reinforcing public policies and actions needed to eradicate poverty and break the cycles of exclusion and inequality as a condition for achieving development in the region. By adopting an island systems thinking approach, R2RP fosters resilience and facilitates coordinated implementation led by the relevant sectoral ministries and agencies, ensuring Barbados continues to advance toward a sustainable and climate-resilient future.

In 2024, the Barbados Roofs to Reefs Programme was highlighted as part of the Local2030 Islands Network Communities of Practice in-person gathering. A leader of this work, Karima Degia of the Barbados Prime Minister’s Office, inspired attendees by sharing the programme vision and experiences with actionable data collection and communication to support climate resilience.

See the full presentation here. 

The government of Niue and the non-profit Tofia Niue have launched Ocean Conservation Commitments (OCCs), a groundbreaking initiative to sustainably fund the long-term conservation of Niue’s sovereign waters. Managed by the Niue and Ocean Wide (NOW) Trust, this philanthropic mechanism supports Niue’s ambitious conservation goals and sustainable blue economy. Each OCC funds the protection of 1 km² of ocean for 20 years, contributing to marine conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development. Sponsorship costs NZD 250, with proceeds supporting the NOW Trust Endowment and immediate conservation activities.

In April 2024, Ocean Conservation Commitments (OCCs) were featured during the Local2030 Islands Network Communities of Practice in-person gathering. JinNam Hopotoa, a leader in this transformative initiative, inspired attendees with an innovative approach that empowers everyone to become stakeholders and active contributors to Niue’s ocean protection. Combined with strategic investments and coordinated conservation efforts, this approach strengthens resilience and advances sustainable development in Niue.

View the presentation from our CoP in person gathering