Koali Niu, a Hawaiian Coconut Gene Bank, is a nonprofit cultural revitalization project focused on coconut agroforestry. Koali Niu is located on an ancient system of loʻi, in the ahupua‘a of Koali in Hana, Maui.
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Coconut Genebanks: Safeguarding the Future of Coconuts
A coconut genebank is a very special collection that preserves the genetic diversity of coconut palms (Cocos nucifera). It is a living library of coconut varieties, carefully managed to support local coconut growers, scientific research, and the perpetuation of coconut diversity.
Why A Hawaiian Coconut Genebank Matters
Why A Hawaiian Coconut Genebank Matters
Future Readiness
Safeguarding coconut diversity today means we’re better prepared to face tomorrow’s challenges. Genbanks help secure a healthy, productive future for coconut needs.Conservation of Coconut Genetic Diversity
Coconut genbanks protect a wide range of coconut types, ensuring we don’t lose important traits that can help the tree's adapt to climate change, pests, and diseases.Support for Research and Local Community
These collections provide essential material for scientists studying how coconuts grow, evolve, and respond to their environment—knowledge that’s key to future innovation.Better Coconut Varieties
By accessing the genetic material stored in genbanks, plant breeders can develop improved coconut varieties that yield more, resist disease, and meet farmers’ and consumers’ needs.
Koali Niu operates under a larger umbrella that is focused on revitalization of the Hawaiian ancient uluniu centered (coconut groves) agroforestry system. This project is a partner of NiU NOW!, a Hawaii based community grass roots organization that envisions “niu as a relationship rooted in the community and aloha ‘āina.”
Currently, the Koali Niu Project is partially supported by the Kaulunani Grant Program under the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the Green Grants Program from the Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division of the County of Maui through a collaboration with the Office of Economic Development and the Office of Innovation, as well as private and public donors.
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