VISION

Kanahau’s Vision is to identify keystone species with a focus on threats to their environment, understand how to better manage natural resources of the bay islands, and educate the community to engage in sustainable practices.

Our facilities

Our Staff


and

MISSION

Identifying keystone species with a focus on threats to their environment:
  • Engage in primary research of the flora and fauna of Utila
  • Collaborate with other local and non-local institutions to conduct cooperative surveys of the island 

Understand how to better manage natural resources:
  • Develop long-term, sustainable environmental management plans
  • Conduct environmental impact studies
  • Form protected nature reserves
  • Develop relationships with local and national governmental agencies to enforce existing environmental laws and assist in the development of future protective legislation

Educate the community to engage in sustainable practices:
  • Develop cooperative relationships with local public and private schools
  • Provide hands-on school activities designed to nurture a connection between the children and their environment
  • Raising environmental awareness within the community
  • Provide an avenue to raise tourist awareness of local ecological issues
Why are we doing this ?
Utila has seen something of a tourist boom over the last two decades centered around the recreational dive industry. This has bought several mixed blessings to the island. One of the more worrying and negative of these is the habitat destruction caused by urban expansion and new tourist resorts/developments. Kanahau's mission is to study and better understand the ecosystems on the island with the objective of identifying the areas that are under threat and most in need of protection. We then hope to raise the funds to purchase these lands which will be established as guarded nature reserves with public access (where appropriate). Kanahau will then establish permanent scientific monitoring programs and active conservation practices for the species present. . 

Who can join?
Kanahau is open to all, not just biologists but also to geologists, archaeologists, anthropologists, teachers, film makers, engineers, in fact anyone who would like to visit and conduct their own research on Utila or help with the projects that are already running. We can assist with logistics, permits and permissions, provide local knowledge and advice, and also help you plan your study before you arrive.  We are a friendly passionate team, so don't hesitate to ask questions! :)
Please see our new website at - www.kanahau.com