September 20, 2013
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A Native Hawaiian woman from Hanapēpē, Kauaʻi, Director of Strategic Partnerships of UH Mānoa’s Loli Aniau, Makaʻala Aniau (LAMA) program, joins a powerful cohort of women leaders from 35+ countries in New York from September 20-23, 2013 to take bold action on climate change and craft a Women’s Climate Action Agenda.
The first International Women’s Earth and Climate Summit will be completing this agenda and the women gathered in New York include a mix of business leaders, former heads of state, scientists, government official, indigenous leaders, activists, teachers, community organizers and culture shapers. Participants include: Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary to the UNFCCC; Marina Silva, former Brazilian Minister of Environment; Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland; Dr. Jane Goodall, Dame of the British Empire, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and United Nations Messenger of Peace; Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Jody Williams; Dr. Sylvia Earle, marine biologist; May Boeve, 350.org Executive Director; Dr. Vandana Shiva and leaders from Global Gender Climate Alliance, Women’s Environment and Development Organization (WEDO), 1 Million Women, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and other grassroots organizations. (See a full list of Summit delegates here: http://www.iweci.org/summit-delegates )
Malia Nobrega-Olivera is currently in New York to attend the summit as an official delegate, a co-chair of the Summit Working Group on Rights of Nature, Indigenous Peoples, Earth Community Economy, and a presenter on a panel regarding women and traditional ecological knowledge.
“Salt makers on the island of Kauaʻi are experiencing first-hand the impacts climate change has on our traditional practice. This year is the second time in my lifetime that my ʻohana (family) has not been able to produce paʻakai (salt). The puna (wells) are overflowing and flooding our salt making area. We are taught by our kupuna (elders) that if there is any flooding in the area, like during the winter season, that we are not to enter in. What will we do if we are not able to make paʻakai? What will happen to this unique cultural practice that only exists on Kauaʻi? I’m here to learn from other women leaders, to share ideas, and to implement critical sustainable solutions,” stated Malia Nobrega-Olivera.
Dozens of communities plan to host ‘Vision Hub’ events to follow the proceedings via live stream (at www.iweci.org) and contribute questions and comments to the Summit delegates from locations around the globe.
Summit delegates will host a press teleconference on September 24th following the Summit to detail the outcome of the proceedings and discuss the Women’s Climate Action Agenda. Interviews are available with delegates during and after the Summit. (For more information and bookings please contact Celia Alario or Tania Hack, media@iweci.org +1.310.721.6517)
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Press Tele-Conference Following International Women’s Earth & Climate Summit
September 24, 2013, 11:30 AM ET / 10:30 AM CT / 9:30 AM MT / 8:30 AM PT
Participant Dialing Instructions:
Toll Free Number: 1.800.434.1335; Direct Dial Number: 1.404.920.6442
General Conference Code: 686459#
About LAMA: Loli Aniau, Maka‘ala Aniau (Climate Change, Climate Alert) or “LAMA” is a new program housed within Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge, one of the largest schools of indigenous knowledge in the United States at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
LAMA’s mission is to catalyze climate adaptation and resiliency by engaging communities in Hawai’i and beyond through innovative training and policy tools that link decision- makers with the university, island communities, and the public as well as private sectors. It is our goal to engage and empower climate justice communities in Hawai‘i and globally.
For more info visit LAMA at- https://islandclimate.net
Photo by Malia Nobrega-Olivera
The Big Picture: Conversation with Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE and Dr. Vandana Shiva
Moderator: Amy Goodman of Democracy Now!
