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"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.
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"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.
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Composer and musician Bryan Jordan visits Classical Pacific with his baltic psaltery and a crystal singing bowl. His monthly Crystal Singing Bowl Sound Journey is a 75 minute sound bath, providing an immersive music and sound healing experience. Learn more.
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In honor of Presidents’ Day, Dr. Lum discusses the historical significance of U.S. presidents establishing national parks and protected areas. The conversation is followed by Jherek Bischoff's "So Fragile, So Blue" with William Shatner and the National Symphony Orchestra.
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Ahead of the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra's final Beethoven Festival concert, Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, the artistic director of the Oʻahu Choral Society Joshua Habermann visits Classical Pacific.
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In this episode, Dr. Lum discusses the recognition of legal personhood for non-human entities, highlighting the Whanganui River's status in Aotearoa as a legal person under the Te Awa Tupua Act. He delves into the need for broader policy changes beyond legal recognition to protect nature, noting that local communities, particularly indigenous peoples, have the emotional and practical knowledge to manage nature effectively, aligning with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s vision of equal rights.
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Roosevelt High School senior Hunter Young is a bass clarinetist who recently earned a spot in the Oʻahu Band Directors' High School Select Band. After one of the Select Band's after-school rehearsals, we spoke with Young about his journey in band, the audition process to play in the Select Band, and the teachers who supported him along the way.
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Classical Conservation Conversation with Dr. Shawn Lum began in April 2024 as a way to celebrate Earth Day. Eight months later, Dr. Lum talks about his weekly research in finding news on nature and conservation and how it relates to the culture and the people of the Pacific.
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As we head into the new year, Dr. Shawn Lum encourages us to take the time to remember the people, places and events that shaped the past year. Reflecting on the state of nature in 2024, he acknowledges a significant decline in global wildlife populations but highlights a study that offers hope. The study shows that conservation efforts—such as controlling invasive species, restoring habitats and practicing sustainable management—are working.
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In this episode, Dr. Shawn Lum offers gift ideas to share with nature lovers this holiday season. Not only do these gift ideas bring delight, but many also support vital conservation efforts. This festive season, your loved ones can receive gifts with profound and magical returns and make a positive impact on the environment.