The county of Kaua'i was recognized for its five years of efforts to acquire conservation land to promote management of Hawai'i's ecosystems.

The recognition came from the Conservation Innovation Award from the Hawai'i Conservation Alliance, a cooperative partnership of 16 government, education and non-profit groups committed to environmental conservation in Hawaii through land management, research and financial incentives.

Last year the group recognized the U.S. Fish and Wildlife for its Conservation Partnerships Program.

"This quantum leap in conservation was not achieved because of the efforts of just one organization, " said Deanna Spooner, Hawai'i Conservation Alliance executive director, in a prepared statement. "Rather, by the massive shift in perception and participation by Hawai'i's citizens, political leaders and agencies."