![<a href="https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/nars/donate/"><span class="nivo-cap" >Donate to the Natural Area Reserves System</span><br /><span class="nivo-content">Our new donation option makes it easy for you to directly support Hawaiʻi's natural areas</span><br /><span class="s_readmore">Read More<i class="icon-signin"></i></span></a> <span class="photo-credit-top">Photo Credit: Roy Kikuta</span> An image of Kaʻena Pt](https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/files/2021/08/kaena-e1689628206391-1200x400.jpg)
![<a href="https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/sepp/"><span class="nivo-cap" >Snail Extinction Prevention Program</span><br /><span class="nivo-content">Protecting Hawaiʻi's uniquely beautiful kāhuli (land snails)</span><br /><span class="s_readmore">Read More<i class="icon-signin"></i></span></a>](https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/files/2024/04/SEPP-Website-slider-1200x400.png)
![<a href="https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/hip/species/"><span class="nivo-cap" >Meet Hawaiʻi's Invertebrates</span><br /><span class="nivo-content">Hawaiʻi has over 6,000 invertebrates found nowhere else in the world. Learn more about some of Hawaiʻi's smallest residents.</span><br /><span class="s_readmore">Read More<i class="icon-signin"></i></span></a> An image of a damselfly](https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/files/2021/08/IMG_4362-e1689627409126-1200x400.jpg)
![<a href="https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/rare-plants/"><span class="nivo-cap" >Rare Plant Program</span><br /><span class="nivo-content">Read our Rare Plant Code of Conduct and help protect Hawaiʻi's most at-risk plants</span><br /><span class="s_readmore">Read More<i class="icon-signin"></i></span></a>](https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/files/2021/08/Hibiscadelphus_flower_Kauaula-Valley_maui-scaled-e1689627448563-1200x400.jpg)
![<a href="https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/wpp/"><span class="nivo-cap" >Watershed Partnership Program</span><br /><span class="nivo-content">Learn how we protect Hawaiʻi's only source of fresh water</span><br /><span class="s_readmore">Read More<i class="icon-signin"></i></span></a> An image of a waterfall](https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/files/2021/08/Blue-hole2-Kauai-Sept-2014-072SPP-scaled-e1689627493296-1200x400.jpg)
The Native Ecosystems Protection & Management Program (NEPM) at DLNR Forestry & Wildlife is responsible for protecting Hawaiʻi’s most unique ecosystems and species. NEPM manages the Natural Area Reserves System and oversees several programs dedicated to conservation of native species including rare plants, kāhuli (tree snails), and other native invertebrates. Click on the links below to learn more.
Natural Area Reserve System
NEPM Program Areas
In addition to managing the Natural Area Reserves System, NEPM program staff work statewide to protect unique native species and to develop public-private partnerships to protect important conservation lands including watersheds and lands with ecological, historical, and/or cultural value.