14. International Agreements and Cooperation
International agreements provide the legal framework that enable countries to work together on global conservation issues.
New Zealand has a long history of involvement in international agreements relating to the conservation of the Earth's natural, historical and cultural heritage. New Zealand's natural resources are valued internationally; for example, three large areas have been designated as World Heritage Sites: Tongariro National Park, Te Wahipounamu/South-West New Zealand, and the New Zealand sub-antarctic islands, which include Auckland, Campbell, Antipodes, Snares and Bounty Islands.
The Department of Conservation is responsible for promoting the benefits of international co-operation on matters relating to conservation.
The Department is the New Zealand Government's representative or principal advisor for a number of international agreements relating to conservation. It also contributes to, and benefits from, developments in conservation work undertaken in other countries.
The Department promotes the benefits of conserving the natural and historic resources of the Ross Dependency and Antarctica generally.
POLICIES
14 International Agreements and Cooperation
14 (a) The Department will implement international agreements relevant to conservation that have been ratified or have legal standing in New Zealand.
14 (b) Conservation management strategies and plans should identify and protect places and resources that meet the requirements of international agreements.
14 (c) The Department should participate in international fora and work with other countries to promote international cooperation on matters relating to New Zealand's conservation interests.
14 (d) The Department will advocate internationally for the protection of species that migrate across New Zealand's territorial limits, and their habitats.
14 (e) The Department, when working internationally as the lead agency for New Zealand, should identify, in cooperation with tangata whenua and other people and organisations, whether a project is of interest or relevance to tangata whenua or others and should establish the appropriate degree and nature of their involvement.
14 (f) The Department will work with other agencies to ensure the protection of the Ross Dependency and Antarctica generally.
14 (g) The Department, when working with other agencies to develop policy for the Ross Dependency and Antarctica, will advocate for the conservation of natural and historic resources.
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