Environmental interpretation plays a significant role in nature-based tourism and is mutually beneficial to tour operators, visitors, conservation groups, and the nature-based tourism economy.  Maui Mauka Conservation Awareness Trainings (MMCAT) goal is to educate tour operators and guides about native ecosystems and species found in Hawaii and the projects that are helping to conserve them.

Presentations about conservation and our natural environment are given by representatives from the Maui Invasive Species Committee, East Maui Watershed Partnership, and Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project. Each training also features a guest speaker.

The guest speaker for this training will be Ekolu Lindsey. Ekolu is the President of Maui Cultural Lands and in July of 2015, completed a ten-day, 500-mile journey aboard the voyaging canoe Hikianalia to the Papahānamoukākea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands to conduct reef surveys and fish monitoring to help better manage Hawaiʻiʻs marine resources. Ekolu also cofounded Polanui Hiu, the first Community Managed Makai Area (CMMA) on Maui. Ekolu sits on manny non-profit boards and donates his time freely to create a better world by conserving the present for those not yet born. He will share information about how visitors can learn about, help protect, and be respectful to our island ecosystems.

The training is free and is being held via Zoom. To attend everyone must register. Tour operators and guides are encouraged to come. Reserve your spot by registering at www.mauimauka.org