Abstract

The profound effects of engaging with nature are widely acknowledged, with a growing recognition of the advantages of purposeful activities in nature, such as participation in environmental volunteerism. Cultural ecosystem services (CES) encompass individuals' intangible relationships with their environment, including contributions of nature to mental well-being and a sense of place. One way to experience these CES firsthand is through community-based stewardship opportunities that foster meaningful connections between people and place. The Heʻeia National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) organizes volunteer opportunities, referred to as Laulima (many hands) Days, for graduate students, researchers, and a broader network of collaborators as an opportunity to participate in biocultural restoration projects in the ahupuaʻa (historic land division) of Heʻeia, Hawaiʻi. Further, Laulima Days provide opportunities to further reciprocal relationships with ʻāina by giving back to researched areas. The overarching objective of this capstone project was to discern the CES experienced by graduate students through their participation in biocultural stewardship events. This overarching objective was addressed with three specific objectives: (i) to identify the CES experienced by graduate student participation at Laulima Days; (ii) to investigate what aspects of well-being are influenced by the CES experienced at Laulima Days; and (iii) to determine if participation in biocultural restoration influences graduate student researcher development. Fourteen interviews were conducted with graduate student participants of Laulima Days. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify Connect, Learn, Value, Well-being, ʻĀina, and Emotions as the six overarching subjects. Respondents noted several CES, including deepened connection to place, sense of responsibility, and lessened stress. Laulima Days helped students foster reciprocal relationships with place and strengthened relationships between researchers and community members, which is necessary for place-based and co-developed research that aligns with the needs and interests of local communities. These findings provide valuable guidance for integrating CES assessment into restoration monitoring, a need voiced by stewardship communities in Hawai‘i. This research also presents a semi-structured survey, co-developed with interviewees, that can be used to assess the nonmaterial benefits of biocultural restoration projects in He‘eia and beyond.

About this Article

This master’s capstone project presents research that was conducted on the CES that graduate students experience from volunteering in biocultural restoration in the Heʻeia Reserve and how those are linked to wellbeing.