Catching the wave in Hawaii

In September, A Rocha took part in the World Conservation Congress: the only international Christian organization at an event with some 9,000 participants. The A Rocha booth highlighted our marine research, drawing in countless old friends and new contacts.

At the Species Conservation Pavilion, Dr Bob Sluka, who leads our marine team, described the ecology of one of the world’s oldest marine no-take protected areas, off Watamu in Kenya, and suggested ways in which attendees might utilize A Rocha’s field research station on its shore.

President Obama spoke at an opening event to announce the world’s biggest marine reserve by expanding the size of The Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument around Hawaii’s northern islands and atolls, now spanning 1.5million square km, more than twice the size of Texas.

Peter Harris, Co-founder of A Rocha, spoke at the high level dialogue on spirituality and conservation, introduced by IUCN’s Director General. One listener commented, ‘He came across as winsome, accessible, hope-filled and resoundingly faithful to Christ and Scripture.’ Peter said, ‘It is hard to express how incredible it is to have the opportunity to explain the gospel’s relevance to conservation in what has previously been a very secular context.’ You can watch Peter’s talk, and read about the other events and presentations in which A Rocha was involved, here.

Bob says, ‘I am thankful for all the good conversations and openness of people to a faith perspective on conservation. It seems we have crossed a threshold where it is now acceptable to bring up these issues, so need sensitivity and wisdom to move the conversations forward from generalities to particulars.’

Daryl Bosu of A Rocha Ghana, and Chris Naylor, Director of A Rocha International, welcoming visitors to the stand. (Peter Harris)