Accessing Sustainable Tourism Practices in Hawaiian Culture
GrantID: 8114
Grant Funding Amount Low: $75,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $250,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Sustainable Tourism Practices in Hawaiian Culture
Hawai'i faces unique challenges in balancing tourism and cultural preservation. Despite tourism being a leading economic driver, the state struggles with the impacts of over-tourism on local communities and natural resources. In 2019, Hawai'i welcomed over 10 million visitors; however, this influx has strained infrastructure, leading to increased waste, traffic congestion, and environmental degradation. Residents frequently voice concerns regarding the preservation of their cultural heritage amidst the growing pressures of global tourism.
The demographic makeup of Hawai'i, with its diverse population descended from native Hawaiians, Asian Americans, and other groups, emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive tourism practices. Local communities, particularly native Hawaiian populations, often face challenges in benefiting from the same economic opportunities that tourism provides. For instance, many cultural practitioners and artisans struggle to find platforms that honor their traditions while providing them sustainable livelihoods. Moreover, the reliance on a tourism-based economy has exposed Hawai'i to fluctuations brought about by external factors; the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted tourism revenues, creating further economic instability.
Funding in this area will directly address the intertwining of tourism and cultural preservation. The grants of $75,000 to $250,000 are designated for research initiatives that focus on understanding and improving sustainable tourism practices in alignment with traditional Hawaiian values. By fostering partnerships with local communities and tourism authorities, these projects can create models that ensure that tourism benefits rather than disrupts local cultures and economies.
A successful approach might include analyzing how historical interactions between tourism and Hawaiian culture can inform present-day practices. This would involve working closely with community leaders to identify strategies that not only promote tourism but also respect local traditions and values. Projects that emerge could lead to actionable recommendations for developing tourism models that prioritize environmental sustainability, cultural integrity, and economic equity.
Given Hawai'i's distinctive geographic context, including its remote island positioning, funding initiatives must adapt to the specific cultural landscapes and resource scarcity experienced here. Unlike states with expansive land masses and diversified economies, Hawai'i's limited land and resources necessitate innovative approaches to both tourism and cultural preservation, making these research projects critically important. The outcomes from these funded initiatives could well serve as a blueprint for other island destinations facing similar challenges.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
