The New Zealand government has introduced a comprehensive package of measures to safeguard native wildlife and habitats at risk. Led by the Minister for Climate Change and Associate Minister for the Environment, James Shaw, these initiatives are designed to combat the decline of biodiversity caused by human activities.
A Kea parrot among the bushes on a mountain overlooking the alpine region of New Zealand.
The package includes a public consultation on implementing a national biodiversity credit system, which would provide financial incentives for landowners to manage their properties in a way that benefits local communities and wildlife. The system allows individuals and philanthropic organisations to purchase credits to support nature-positive actions, such as reforestation, wetland restoration, and native vegetation planting.
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Additionally, the government plans to establish clearer regulations for district councils to identify and protect areas of significant biodiversity. This move aims to address the lack of definition and support for wildlife habitats that regional councils have been required to protect for the past three decades.
To further support conservation efforts, the government will co-fund regional biodiversity coordinators, who will explore innovative approaches to protect native wildlife. These coordinators will test pioneering methods, including the use of new technologies like drones for seed dispersal. The government also intends to develop a digital information platform to enhance accessibility to biodiversity data.
Associate Minister James Shaw emphasised the urgency of these measures, citing that 63% of native ecosystems in New Zealand are currently threatened. By encouraging landowners, including Māori, to view their wild spaces as valuable sources of supplementary income, the government aims to incentivise conservation efforts. The public consultation period for the biodiversity credit system will run until 3 November 2023.
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Furthermore, as part of the government's commitment to preserving biodiversity, a National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity will be implemented in stages beginning on 4 August. This policy will provide clearer guidelines for identifying, managing, and protecting areas of significant biodiversity across the country. Under the new requirements, all regional councils will be mandated to develop a regional biodiversity strategy with native biodiversity and nature priorities—an obligation previously limited to only a few councils. By establishing a defined framework and offering support, the government aims to ensure that important wildlife habitats receive the necessary attention and conservation efforts they deserve.
Associate Minister James Shaw expressed confidence in the success of these measures, highlighting the positive outcomes already achieved in saving species such as the kiwi, kaka, and tuatara from the brink of extinction. By taking decisive action, the government believes that nature will respond positively, reinforcing the need for collective efforts to protect and conserve New Zealand's precious biodiversity. With the launch of these initiatives, the New Zealand government strives to reverse the decline of native species and ensure the resilience of the country's unique plants and animals.
In tune with James Shaw’s statement—‘When we act, nature responds’—DGB Group is dedicated to supporting nature to thrive and prosper. At DGB, our commitment also lies in providing inclusive and transparent options for businesses, investors, and individuals who are equally passionate about conserving nature. Through active engagement in our projects, stakeholders can make a tangible impact in restoring ecosystems, safeguarding biodiversity, and combating climate change. By joining forces, we can forge a path towards a future where the coexistence of human activities and nature is harmonious, guaranteeing a sustainable and flourishing planet for generations to come. Together, let us shape a world where our actions align with the needs of our environment, securing a vibrant and resilient Earth.
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