National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

DIGITAL STORIES

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument Celebrates 10 Years as a World Heritage Site

_{By: Mariya Murrow}

NOAA’s Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, “where nature and culture are one”, is celebrating 10 years as a mixed World Heritage site. The monument joins iconic sites such as the Great Barrier Reef, Galapagos Islands, and the Great Wall of China. It is the only mixed World Heritage site in the United States, recognized for both natural and cultural attributes.

The near pristine remote reefs, islands, and waters of Papahānaumokuākea provide refuge and habitat for a wide array of threatened and endangered species, and is one of the last predator dominated coral reef ecosystems on the planet. The monument’s globally significant natural attributes incorporate its living, indigenous, cultural connections to the sea––where modern Hawaiian wayfinders (non-instrument navigators) still voyage for navigational training on traditional double-hulled sailing canoes.

World Heritage inscription is only granted to those who meet the rigorous criteria under either natural or cultural categories. Papahānaumokuākea met multiple criteria for both, and is one of only 39 global locations inscribed as a mixed site for both natural and cultural importance.

Papahānaumokuākea Research and Conservation Fund Announces $1 Million in Grants to Support Management and Conservation

_{By: Mariya Murrow}

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced that its Papahānaumokuākea Research and Conservation Fund has awarded more than $1 million in funding for projects that support management and conservation of the monument.

Projects awarded will help to address ongoing management challenges, further research recent events, such as the effects of Hurricane Walaka and unidentified nuisance alga, and will aid in our efforts to educate the public about the monument.

This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the monument’s designation as a World Heritage Site inscribed for both its biological and cultural importance globally. Papahānaumokuākea is an important home to thousands of unique wildlife and habitats, including species like the Hawaiian monk seal, green sea turtle, and Laysan albatross. Funded research will allow us to work closely to safeguard these creatures and contribute to management of this special place.

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