In this article, we delve into Norman Bezona’s life passion as the founder and visionary of the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary. He is a father of two sons and a daughter (Ricci, Timothy, and Diane), and is a renowned tropical horticulture expert, author, and educator. Norman has left an indelible mark on tropical forest preservation, education, and the understanding of Hawaii’s unique and delicate cloud forest ecosystem. His work has significantly contributed to the conservation and preservation movement in Hawaii. Join us as we pay tribute to his life work and the realization of his vision for the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary family stewardship project.
Norman is an alumnus and professor emeritus of the University of Hawaii. He first enrolled at the University of Hawaii, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources in 1956, earning his Bachelor’s degree. He briefly relocated to Florida for his graduate studies and quickly returned to Hawaii in 1967, where he has been ever since. An expert in tropical agriculture, Norman began his career as a diversified crop horticulturist, working with macadamia, coffee, citrus, guava, avocado, and ornamental plantations on Hawaii Island, as well as being a part of the reforestation of the Ka’u District. Norman served most of his career at the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources as an on-campus teacher and extension agent. Norman has contributed to numerous horticulture and forestry projects in Hawaii and around the world. He also serves as the longest-living board member of the International Palm Society and has traveled the world serving and consulting in the field of tropical agriculture and forestry. Norman is an encyclopedia of tropical horticulture and forestry wisdom. His life purpose has been serving as a teacher and being a steward and voice for tropical forests, especially for the tropical forests and agriculture on Hawaii Island. Norman also worked with rural farmers and foresters in Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, the South Pacific and Southeast Asia solving problems associated with their farming practices.
The Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary: A Living Classroom
Norman discovered 20 acres nestled in the slopes of Hualalai mountain in 1982. The land was a remnant of the cattle industry and later used as a private horse pasture. When he purchased the property it was mostly covered with grass, ferns and some old-growth Ohia Lehua trees. Like an artist with a blank canvas, he viewed it as a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate that a cloud forest can be restored in a relatively short period of time. That birthed the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary and a four-decade reforestation passion project.
Norman donated thousands of hours to leading seminars, lectures, and garden tours to all age groups and institutions in his home forest garden which he named the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary. Such groups include local and foreign student groups, local organizations such as 4-H, Boy and Girl Scouts, church organizations as well as civic and governmental organizations. Schools and teachers utilize Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary as a site for organized educational programs and field trips emphasizing the importance of protecting tropical ecosystems and the Kaloko watershed and ahupua’a. The Sanctuary has served as a plant lover and gardener community hub for educational organizations for over four decades.
Norman’s dedication to environmental conservation and reverence for natural resources has been an essential element of the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary mission and vision. Norman aspired to set an example that people can live in harmony with the forest. The world’s forests are often referred to as the lungs of the planet. Closer to home, the Kona cloud forest attracts precipitation necessary for replenishing our freshwater aquifer.
Norman’s family is committed to the mission of being a voice for the cloud forest and carrying forward his legacy by inviting visitors, locals, and students to connect to the ʻāina in a sustainable, mindful, and regenerative way.
Conservation Initiatives at the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary
Community Outreach and Education
Within the Sanctuary, Norman’s aspiration was to provide visitors with more than just an enchanting experience of walking the botanical trails or engaging in educational programs. His vision was that every visitor would leave with an elevated sense of respect and appreciation for these intricate tropical ecosystems. His dedication has served as an inspiration for a shared commitment to protecting and cherishing these delicate environments.
Collaboration with Conservation Organizations
Norman’s expertise has taken him to equatorial forest regions around the globe, where he was a consultant for agriculture and conservation projects, collaborating with many organizations. Serving as the Hawai’i director for the International Palm Society and an esteemed advisor to the Hawai’i Chapter of the American Bamboo Society, he promoted sustainable practices and the preservation of these vital plant species. His efforts extend to the local community, as evidenced by his contributions through weekly articles in Hawaii Tribune-Herald and West Hawaii Today, and the creation of the first land management forest stewardship program developed for residents living in and around the Kona cloud forest.
Legacy and Impact
Norman’s legacy is one of passion and perseverance. His contributions to the field of tropical horticulture and agriculture have garnered him accolades and recognition from fellow scientists and environmentalists worldwide. Beyond the scientific community, he is honored as a true steward of the land and a visionary leader in the quest to preserve Hawaii’s natural treasures. Norman’s legacy lives on through the succeeding generations of his family, united by a profound connection to the forest and a steadfast commitment to upholding the stewardship and knowledge preservation of this sacred forest.
Final Thoughts
Let us be inspired by this family’s mission to inspire connection, awareness, preservation and restoration of forest ecosystems. Through Norman’s unwavering love for plants and trees, and the creation of the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary, this living classroom continues to serve as a reminder that we can all make a difference in protecting our planet’s biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
FAQ Section
What is the significance of the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary?
The Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary is a lush treasure trove of biodiversity nestled within one of the rarest cloud forests in the world. It plays a pivotal role in providing knowledge-enriching experiences and promoting the importance of protecting these delicate ecosystems. The sanctuary’s high elevation (3,000 ft) and cool, misty climate create a unique microclimate that allows the existence of endemic and global species adapted to such conditions to thrive. Beyond its ecological significance, the sanctuary serves as a living classroom for the community, while also being a reverence for fostering a sense of interconnectedness with nature.
The Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary is far more than just a natural reserve; it is a testament to the importance of environmental stewardship. It inspires a collective effort to protect natural resources for generations to come.
How did Norman Bezona’s work contribute to conservation efforts in Hawaii?
Norman Bezona’s work had a significant impact on conservation and sustainable agriculture efforts in Hawaii. His collaborations with state and local organizations and community outreach initiatives helped raise awareness and mobilize support for conservation and reforestation projects throughout Hawaii.
How can individuals support the efforts at the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary?
There are several ways individuals can support the efforts at the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary. We encourage you to contact us directly at info@konacloudforest.com
