Hawaiʻi’s Sentinel Landscape Designation

The Hawaiʻi Sentinel Landscape designation encompasses over two million acres of vital terrain across the islands of Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, and Hawaiʻi Island, including places that support communities, climate resiliency, food security, cultural connection, and outdoor recreation. In a state where land is scarce and precious, these designated areas offer an opportunity to protect the natural and cultural resources that shape Hawaiʻi’s identity and communities.

The designated acres in the Sentinel Landscape will receive priority status for funding under federal conservation programs that support military readiness, conserve natural and cultural resources, enhance agricultural and forestry economies, increase public access to outdoor recreation, and improve resilience to climate change. Trust for Public Land (TPL) played a central role in achieving the designation status for Hawaiʻi, spearheading collaborative efforts with 20 organizations statewide. Anchored in partnership, TPL aligned a coalition of federal, state, local, and non-governmental entities towards a shared goal of conservation and resilience. This designation underscores the significance of collaboration in conservation and highlights the pivotal role of organizations like TPL in driving positive change for Hawaiʻi’s landscapes and communities.

At the heart of this designation lies the urgent need to address the multifaceted challenges facing Hawaiʻi, including rapid development, climate threats, and the preservation of critical habitats and cultural resources. With increasing urbanization posing risks to agricultural lands, native forests, vital habitats, and places of cultural significance, the Sentinel Landscape initiative becomes paramount in safeguarding these essential resources. The impact of climate change, from extreme weather events to sea-level rise and prolonged droughts, further underscores the importance of collaborative conservation efforts.

Through partnership and TPL’s leadership, the Sentinel Landscape designation is a watershed moment towards a future where conservation, economic growth, and strategic defense efforts unite to contribute to a sustainable and thriving Hawaiʻi.