'Aulani Wilhelm

There have been many innovations in ocean conservation, but in a rapidly changing climate, these now-conventional methods and approaches will not be enough to keep up with the accelerated pace of change.

'Aulani Wilhelm has spent over 20 years dedicated to natural-resource management. In her current position at Conservation International (CI), she works to drive global progress to restore and protect our oceans. Before joining CI, she was directed Ocean Initiatives for NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. She founded Island Water, a social venture to provide clean water and reduce plastic pollution on islands and Big Ocean, a global network of large-scale, marine-managed areas. Wilhelm is also a long-time member of the Polynesian Voyaging Society.

In this talk, Wilhelm will discuss four major program areas — place-based conservation, fisheries and aquaculture, ocean climate, and innovation — as part of CI's effort to connect local action with global impact for ocean conservation.