Classical Conservation Conversation

"Many endangered species and threatened habitats continue to decline despite laws and treaties meant to protect them. A love for the ocean, committing to itʻs protcetion, and implementing practical solutions are all needed. And who better to share this with the world and the worldʻs leaders, than the people of Pacific Islands?"Todayʻs Classical Conservation Conversation is paired with music by Gabriel Olafs, "Whale Overture"

To help us celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day and Discoverersʻ Day, Dr. Shawn Lum follows the ʻuala sweet potato from the Americas to Polynesia, and to our plates. "Humans are capable of great journeys that require skill, bravery ..and an indomitable spirit."

In this episode of Classical Conservation Conversation, Dr. Shawn Lum considers Rapa Nui pianist Mahani Teave. "...exceptional talent alone did not lead directly to Mahani Teaveʻs professional career..."Dr. Lum takes lessons from Teaveʻs path in music and explores the idea of cultivating and nurturing young people, training the next generation of conservationists.The music that follows, is Mahani Teave performing Chopinʻs Nocturnes, Op. 9: No. 1 in Bb minor

The Biodiversity Hall of Fame continues on Classical Conservation Conversations with Dr. Shawn Lum. Dr. Lum highlights the achievements of conservation biologist and cultural advisor Dr. Samuel M. 'Ohukani'ōhi'a Gon III.Named a living treasure by Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, Dr. Gon combines the scholarship of modern science and Hawaiian culture.Music by Jeff Peterson "Concerto for Slack Key Guitar and Orchestra: Mālama ʻĀina,"

In this episode of Classical Conservation Conversation: A Season of Creation Pt. 4, The Season of Creation ends, the feast day of St. Francis observed, and Dr. Shawn Lum celebrates the legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE. "Thank You Stars" from "Janeʻs Journey" written by Mike Batt and sung by Katie Melua follows this touching tribute to a person who held "aloha for animals, for all nature, and for all people."

On his recent trip to Australia, Dr. Lum was reminded of land and land ethic... "what people consider sacred is often well protected." Aboriginal Australian multi-instrumentalist and composer William Bartonʻs Improvisation follows todayʻs Classical Conservation Conversation: A Season of Creation Pt. 3.

Dr. Lum takes us to protected conservation areas around the world: Bali, India, Japan, Ethopia. "Sacred forests harbor native flora, allow native wildlife to thrive and help protect water resources and other life giving services for local communities"Eric Whitacreʻs The Sacred Veil: Magnetic Poetry follows todayʻs Classical Conservation Conversation: A Season of Creation Pt. 2.

With the start of the Season of Creation, Dr. Lum talks about Pope Francis and his belief that "humanity needed an ecological conversion - one that integrated environmental, social and spiritual dimensions.."Todayʻs episode includes music from Creation: Dark Matter by Hafez Nazeri

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