Classical Conservation Conversation

In this episode of Classical Conservation Conversation, Dr. Shawn Lum imagines building a Biodiversity and Conservation Hall of Fame and inducts the late ichthyologist Dr. John Ernest "Jack" Randall for describing more than 830 species previously unknown to scientists.

Every year, the Baseball Writerʻs Association of America elects players to The Baseball Hall of Fame. The 5 baseball stars of the class of 2025 includes outfielder Ichiro Suzuki. In this weekʻs Classical Conservation Conversation, Dr. Shawn Lum looks to the induction ceremony and the speech of the first MLB Hall of Famer of Japanese descent."Ichiro Suzukiʻs acceptance speech revealed something...moving and deeply human...can words from the deity of the baseball diamond translate into tangible conservation action?"Music by James Horner from Field of Dreams

The movie JAWS turned 50 this year. In this weekʻs Classical Conservation Conversation, Dr. Shawn Lum talks about the masterpiece that changed cinema, but also brought about the fear of sharks. "Being exposed to the wonders of nature early can immunize us against biophobia. We can be free to embrace the living world and experience it with the joy that itʻs beauty and importance merit."The music that we pair with Dr. Lumʻs talk: Shark Cage Fugue by John Williams from the soundtrack to Jaws, followed by another work written in 1975, Shostakovichʻs Viola Sonata, II. Allegretto.

The movie "JAWS" directed by Steven Spielberg with soundtrack by John Williams was released 50 years ago. In this episode of HPRʻs Classical Conservation Conversation, Dr. Shawn Lum talks about the effects of the movie on the shark population, "There was an increase in shark hunting and tournaments in the wake of the movieʻs release...." Dr. Lum reminds us that Sharks are important to the people of the Pacific, and we can help be their voice.We pair todayʻs talk with some of the music that inspired John Williamsʻ soundtrack- Debussyʻs "La Mer: II. Play of the Waves"

"The first natural forest type you see driving into town from the airport on Nimitz Highway doesnʻt grow on solid ground, but along the banks of the Kapālama Canal. The mangroves have welcomed you to Honolulu!" In this episode of Classical Conservation Conversation, Dr. Lum discusses mangroves, and the decision to plant them to treat erosion. "Biodiversity like mangroves... a conservation conundrum."Dr. Lumʻs conversation concludes with Scott Leeʻs "Through the Mangrove Tunnels: Floating Away," the composerʻs memories of "wandering the swamps and bayous of Florida," with chamber jazz string quartet, piano and percussion.Follow Dr. Shawn Lum on Instagram at @skylum.nature.

"One of the major causes of biodiversity loss is the establishment and spread of non native species following their release, or escape to a new place. And few if any regions in the world have had their native eco systems impacted as badly as the Pacific..." In this episode of Classical Conservation Conversation, Dr. Lum discusses the introduction of the red mangrove to Hawaiʻi by the American Sugar Company in 1902. "Are they a useful and novel ecosystem? or a blight on our coastal seascape?...a classic conservation conundrum."Dr. Lumʻs conversation concludes with Peter Sculthorpeʻs "Mangrove" - with the strings creating the songs of birds, the Australian composer recalls time amongst the Mangroves on Fraser Island.Follow Dr. Shawn Lum on Instagram at @skylum.nature.

In this episode, Dr. Lum reflects on the convergence of Easter, the passing of Pope Francis, and Earth Day, highlighting Pope Francis' final Easter address, emphasizing dignity, peace, and the interconnectedness of environmental care and human development.

One year after Classical Conservation Conversations began, Dr. Sean Lum reflects on the urgency of environmental action as the 2030 deadline for the UN Sustainable Development Goals approaches. He ties global challenges to the spiritual reflection of seasons like Ramadan and Lent, and shares simple ways to reconnect with Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems and sacred species. Listen as he invites us to reflect, take action, and honor our ancestors by caring for the land and sea.

March 22 is World Water Day, established by the United Nations in 1993. Dr. Lum reflects on its significance and evolving themes, including the 2025 focus on glacier preservation. He highlights water’s cultural importance across the Pacific and the role of traditional practices in addressing today’s water conservation challenges.

Dr. Shawn Lum remembers the work of educator and environmental champion, Ruth Leilani (Lani) Stemmermann. A leading authority on the ʻōhiʻa forest, she advocated for the protection of native vegetation. Lani's dedication to preserving Hawaii's ecosystems serves as a lasting inspiration for environmental stewardship.