There are many ways of learning about the interrelatedness of the oceans and the land. The Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment provides a variety of opportunities for understanding the importance of the connection.
Naming the Center: “Ambassadors of the Environment “
The word “ambassador” means “a representative” or “an emissary” and that is what the center strives to teach and encourage. The natural world, both land and sea, are fragile and need representatives to promote the need to take care of them. All the programs offered strive to create a sense of partnership with the natural world.
Housed in a completely natural building constructed of many recycled materials, the “hale”, as the center is termed (the Hawaiian word for "house"), includes a library, classrooms, and environmental study areas for all ages. On the outside cement patio is a large map of the Hawaiian Islands which is used to illustrate the intimacy of land and sea. A dug-out canoe on the lawn and native plants surrounding the lanai and pathways complete the image of a place at home in its environment. Construction took into account making the building as eco-friendly as possible. For example, the toilets are low water usage and the urinals are water-less. Discreet signs remind visitors to conserve, be aware of the impact of actions, and be responsible.
Reaching Out to the Young through Children’s Programs
Recognizing that children are the future, there is a focus on children's programs. It is believed by teaching them to respect and enjoy their environment there is hope for the world. Daily adventures bring the young, ages five and up, into contact with nature around them. Hiking, snorkeling, underwater photography and Hawaiian crafts are but a few of the possibilities. By letting children explore the wonders of the sea and the earth, the Center believes they will become “ambassadors” for its survival.
Creative Programming for Families and Adults
Many of the activities offered by the Center are suitable for family participation. By providing this shared endeavor, all ages learn and grow in their reverence for nature. There are evening star-gazing programs, exploration of the seacoast and tide pools, hikes and even whale watching which can be shared by the generations. Underwater photography, and snorkeling can be done with or without children. Additionally, adults and older youth can receive instruction in stand-up paddling on surf boards or being a crew member in an outrigger canoe.
There are fees for most of the activities mentioned but there are daily educational programs at no cost. Because the aim of Ambassadors of the Environment is to provide cultural, environmental and recreational activities, each day a different topic is explored.
Organic Gardening, Hawaiian History, and Ocean Futures
The "hale" is located on the grounds of the Ritz Carlton Kapalua Hotel amidst acres of tropical greenery. Two of the hotel chefs took responsibility for an organic herb garden and compost site. Now herbs from the plantings are being used in the hotel kitchens. While still in its infancy (the program is about two years old), several trial plants are being tested for future use. A free tour of the garden is offered, hosted by one of the chefs, which becomes a journey into the world of smell, taste, and touch. This is definitely a "learn as you go" project but the initial results are amazing.
Hawaiian culture and history are celebrated in a number of programs. With the resident “Auntie”( an honorary term given to a elder with special knowledge or skills), a lecture/discussion on the native peoples leads to a viewing of the film, “Then There Were None”. The movie traces the decline of native Hawaiians while outlining their history in the context of world events. Following the film, “Auntie” shares more of the story and ends with a walk to the Honokahua Preservation Site, a sacred burial area on the hotel grounds.
The library at the Center contains many books and videos about the ocean and the land. Of particular note is the collection of maps made of the Hawaiian Islands beginning with Captain James Cook. Over the years, the islands have continued to be mapped by many people. It is interesting to observe how cartographers have drawn this area and depicted its allure to the rest of the world. An informative program on the map collection is another Center offering.
Jean-Michel Cousteau is closely connected to the seas and the Center holds the ocean environment in high regard. Educational films are scheduled that focus on the world beneath the sea, the creatures living there, and what people can do to make a difference in protecting this treasure.
The Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment seeks to be a good steward for both land and sea. Teaching good environmental habits early, educating visitors in the history and lore of the Hawaiian Islands, and offering enlightening programs of interest to a broad segment of the population make the institution an amazing place to visit.
Ethel Brodie - Intrigued by the world, encouraged to write my observations, published in newspapers and magazines, and sharing special places.
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