Foreword: Minister of Conservation
This statement of intent sets out an ambitious programme for achieving conservation in a rapidly changing world. New Zealand and the Department of Conservation are already recognised internationally as leaders in biodiversity conservation, but the current approaches, expertise and resources will not be enough to overcome the huge challenges we are facing, or deliver the many potential benefits that we all want.
Conservation over the next decade will be the product of thousands of projects undertaken by hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders, not just the work of a dedicated group of professionals. That shift is already visible, with hundreds of community restoration projects underway, and the Department increasingly acting as a partner rather than the prime doer. And I am thrilled to see councils taking up the Biodiversity Strategy challenge. In March I was privileged to attend the launch of the Canterbury regional biodiversity strategy, and the Government has funded a coordinator for that strategy. Many other regions and districts have already set out local or regional strategic approaches, expanded their own programmes, and increased their support for community efforts. How the Department can support this widening network of conservation actors will be a key challenge for the next decade.
Conservation is also increasingly recognised as a core contributor to our drive for sustainable economic development. Protected areas have always made a vital contribution to the economy, for example by helping to protect catchments that provide the water on which farming and other industries depend, and as the main attraction for our tourism industry. The climate change debate is making another sustainability contribution- carbon sequestration - very visible, and the Government is ensuring that broader sustainability benefits are actively sought rather than being just a side effect of other work.
Another important trend is in the way New Zealanders interact with their heritage. Back country tramping, hunting, angling and the summer camping holiday are still important parts of our culture. The Government is committed to ensuring a network of backcountry facilities is available and to increasing the number of affordable camping opportunities. But there is also growing interest in other outdoor recreational activities - short walks, mountain biking, kayaking, guided adventures, wildlife viewing, etc - for which provision also needs to be made. The Government has provided a major increase in funding for visitor facilities, but the private sector will also have an important role in providing the full range of opportunities that are needed. We have a unique and precious heritage, and I look forward to seeing more New Zealanders out there enjoying it.
Hon Steve Chadwick
Minister of Conservation
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