Emma Anders started as the Program Director for the Hawaiʻi Conservation Alliance in August of 2016, supporting program development and strategic planning. She comes to HCA with nearly a decade of experience in natural resources stewardship, facilitation and planning, partnership development, and co-management implementation. Before coming to HCA, Emma worked for the Department of Land and Natural Resources Aquatic Resources Division (DAR) as the Planner supporting development of nearshore marine regulations, ecosystem stewardship projects, community-based management plans, and implementation of the Hawaii Coral Reef Strategy. While at the State, she developed a strong appreciation for the value of partnership and collaboration in effective resource stewardship.
A graduate of the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Emma grew up in Waimea on Hawaiʻi island where she developed a deep appreciation for the wet ʻōhiʻa forests of Kohala and the clear and warm waters of West Hawaiʻi coral ecosystems. In her free time, Emma enjoys hiking the many beautiful trails of the Koʻolau, gardening at her Pālolo home, in the ocean, and cooking and eating delicious locally sourced food.
