At three times the size of California, the scope of the Papahānaumokuākea reserve has also highlighted how little of the world’s oceans are protected
As a grand gesture in the dying embers of a presidency, Barack Obama’s decision to create the world’s largest marine protected area in Hawaii was a chance to flex American exceptionalism with little downside.
“I love our president,” said Kevin Chang, of conservation group Kua’aina ulu ‘auamo. Chang said Hawaiians who successfully lobbied for Obama’s extension of the Papahānaumokuākea (pronounced Pa-pa-hah-now-mo-koo-ah-keh-ah) monument are “ecstatic”.
Continue reading…
Source: Guardian Environment