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The conservation community lost a dear friend, teacher, and leader with the passing of Rene Sylva on December 28, 2008. A pioneer in the conservation of Hawaiian plants and animals, Rene inspired countless individuals and was a central figure in the formation of many plant restoration projects on our islands.
Born in Pā‘ia, Maui in 1929, Sylva was the only commercial fisherman to advocate the ban on fishing green sea turtles in the 1970’s. After burning his nets, giving away his prized turtle shells and giving up a career in turtle fishing, Rene spent many days assisting leading scientists in field studies of Hawaii’s extraordinary plants and animals, building both his knowledge and his passion to save them from extinction.
In 1976 Rene took a minimum-wage job as groundskeeper at the county zoo in Kahului. Once there, he convinced his employer to landscape the zoo grounds with native plants of Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i and Kaho‘olawe. Driven by his vision, Rene used his own money to buy special propagation supplies, building the world’s greatest living collection of native Hawaiian plants. Over time, the garden replaced the zoo entirely, and now those he inspired continue his legacy at the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens.
“Rene had an impact on so many people,” says Alan Holt, conservation programs director for the Conservancy’s Hawai‘i program from 1982 to 1998, and now involved with the organization’s global strategies. “For me, it was a day in the forests of Hana‘ula on West Maui with Rene, Bob Hobdy, and Charlie Lamoureux that set my sights on a career in conservation. Rene’s garden was proof of what one person can accomplish, and what Hawaiian plants can do if we give them half a break.”
In addition to the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, Rene helped propel the Kaho‘olawe revegetation program, the Honokowai Valley restoration project, the restoration of Auwahi forest and so much more.
"Rene’s impact on bringing native plants into our awareness is immeasurable,” says Holt. "Despite his many accomplishments and awards he remained such a humble man. I think he was more comfortable giving the plants all the attention.”
Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Anna Palomino (Rene Sylva).
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