The objective of the project is to provide the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) with easy-to-use geospatial tools necessary to running a science-based participatory 30x30 planning process, and the technical support and iterative evaluation activities required to ensure the tools are implemented effectively. The work will enable stakeholders to effectively engage with relevant spatial data and information as they identify areas for consideration in the 30x30 planning. The project will accomplish the proposed objectives by: 1) providing spatial data layers in the interactive SeaSketch platform; 2) working closely with DAR staff on facilitation technique; 3) reproducing existing analytical tools developed in the Hawaii Coral Bleaching Recovery project for use in the 30x30 context; (4) creating an evaluation framework for examining effectiveness of the SeaSketch tools. By providing online resources, and implementing the interactive mapping tools in formal meetings, DAR will be able to connect the general public and key stakeholders with the science and information that underpin the 30x30 initiative and complete outreach and engagement tasks with cutting-edge methods, leading up to submission to a Chapter 19 rulemaking process. This process and these methods implementing SeaSketch will be evaluated, and a final report will detail opportunities for their continued use in Hawaii and across the Pacific region.
