Common Heritage Corporation (CHC) is the world's leader in developing integrated deep ocean water (DOW) systems that are environmentally and commercially sustainable. Springing from revolutionary shifts in thinking about how human endeavors must mesh with the workings of the planet, these technologies work in tandem with nature's own processes. Today, CHC innovations born of these new paradigms are beginning to transform coastal desert areas worldwide into productive, sustainable communities.

Founded in 1991, CHC is a privately held, for-profit corporation supported by a group of dedicated investors and professionals. Our offices are in Honolulu, Hawai'i, and at the site of the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai'i Authority (NELHA), at Keahole Point near Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawai'i.

The corporation's founding members long ago recognized the wisdom of taking grand cues from natural energy systems. Forerunners in their respective fields, they and many of our team members have been involved with the utilization of DOW systems for more than 40 years. They have pioneered ocean system applications of strategic importance for the United States, including submarine designs, underwater habitats, slant drilling techniques, aquaculture technologies, DOW freshwater production, DOW-based cold water agriculture, and safety systems. CHC team members have also spearheaded development of international ocean policy and law through the advancement of legal forums and diplomacy.

CHC founder and Chief Scientist Dr. John P. Craven has been involved in nearly every major ocean innovation in the United States over the past 40 years. As co-founder of NELHA in 1974, its president for nearly two decades, and chairman of the board for its first decade, Craven led the development of DOW systems technologies at this unique research facility.