4. Conservation of Natural Resources
New Zealand's unique biodiversity is internationally important. High percentages of the country's indigenous species are endemic (they are found nowhere else on Earth). The uniqueness of many of New Zealand's indigenous plants and animals means that responsibility for their continued existence is entirely ours.
New Zealand's natural resources include unique species and special places on land and in marine areas that are valued and enjoyed for their intrinsic values, for what they offer to future generations, and for their contribution towards our identity as New Zealanders.
The intrinsic and intergenerational values of these natural resources are part of the heritage of all New Zealanders. Many of the natural features that give New Zealand an international reputation as an island country of outstanding natural values, lie wholly or in part within public conservation lands and waters. Tangata whenua have developed a deep understanding of and strong links to natural resources over many centuries and believe that it is for the present generation, as kaitiaki, to ensure that these taonga are available, undiminished, for future generations.
Advocacy for conservation of natural resources outside public conservation lands and waters is covered by policies in Chapter 7.
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