Resilient and Connected Landscape of Hawaii
This analysis maps ecological resilience across Hawai‘i’s eight islands, identifying landscapes with complexity and connectivity that allow species to adapt to climate change. Results guide conservation strategies to sustain biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Subject Tags
- Conservation Planning
- Climate resilience
- Biodiversity
Resilience is the ability of a living system to adapt to climate change—moderating damage, seizing opportunities and coping with consequences. The Nature Conservancy’s resilience analysis aims to conserve biodiversity while allowing species and communities to shift as the climate changes.
In Hawai‘i, scientists analyzed eight islands to assess ecological resilience. They treated landscapes—ranging from tropical dry forests and alpine deserts to anchialine pools—as “neighborhoods” where species live. Areas with complex topography and dense wetlands were seen as offering the best chances for species to “move down the block” and find new habitats as their current ones change.
The study also examined landscape permeability, identifying where roads, development and other barriers could prevent species from relocating. By mapping both ecological complexity and connectivity, the analysis helps guide conservation efforts that support long-term adaptation and survival.
Additional Resources
Explore the Data: View the Hawaii Resilient and Connected Network data in the Resilient Land Mapping Tool
Download the Hawaii Resilience Datasets: Download the GIS data for resilience, landscape diversity, local connectedness, and geophysical settings
Download Hawaii Resilient & Connected Landscapes Data: Download the GIS data for resilient and connected landscapes, climate connectivity, biodiversity, and resilience.
Center for Resilient Conservation Science Resilience Website
Citation
Anderson, M.G., Barnett, A., Clark M., Gon, S., Olivero, A., Prince, J., and Tom, S. (2022). Resilient Sites and Connected Landscapes for Terrestrial Conservation in Hawaii. The Nature Conservancy, Center for Resilient Conservation Science.
TNC Authors
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Mark Anderson
Director of Conservation Science, North America Office
The Nature Conservancy
Email: manderson@tnc.org -
Analie Barnett
Landscape Ecologist, North America Office
The Nature Conservancy
Email: abarnett@tnc.org -
Melissa Clark
Spatial Ecology Lead, North America Office
The Nature Conservancy
Email: melissa_clark@tnc.org -
Sam ʻOhu Gon
Sr. Scientist Cultural Advisor, Hawaii
The Nature Conservancy
Email: sgon@tnc.org -
Arlene Olivero
Aquatic Ecologist/GIS Analyst, North America Office
The Nature Conservancy
Phone: arlene_olivero@tnc.org -
Stephanie Tom
Conservation Information Mgr, Hawaii
The Nature Conservancy
Email: stom@tnc.org