Have your say on how we innovate and shape the future for thriving biodiversity

Introduction

Beginning in 2021, we consulted and engaged with the public on a draft Long-term Insights Briefing, developed by DOC and Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ). The final briefing is now live.

On this page:

About this consultation

The aim of the briefing is to enhance public debate and contribute to future decision making for improved biodiversity outcomes. 

In this consultation, we are asking if you think the draft Long-term Insights Briefing covers the key components needed to support a national conversation about potential tools for biodiversity management in the future.

Read the draft Long-term Insight Briefing 2022 (1,664K)

What was in the draft briefing?

The topic of the draft briefing is: “How can we help biodiversity thrive through the innovative use of information and emerging technologies?”

The draft briefing:

  • considers how new and improved information and emerging technologies could support Aotearoa New Zealand’s long-term vision for a thriving biodiversity;
  • demonstrates the opportunities for biodiversity presented by innovation, information and emerging technology by exploring;
    • satellite imagery and remote sensing;
    • artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies,
    • and genetic technologies.
  • considers options to support the safe and effective use of emerging technologies that could help address biodiversity decline.

Read a one-page summary on the draft (PDF, 310K)

Options for safe and effective use of emerging technologies

Innovative use of technologies and information could offer new tools to reduce threats to our wildlife. But the systems that support these have a huge impact on their success or failure.

The briefing draft provided options to develop robust systems and build trust so people feel comfortable with our use of these tools.

This included options to:

  • align with te ao, mātauranga and tikanga Māori
  • encourage community engagement and participation
  • strengthen funding and investment
  • support trust through oversight, transparency, risk assessment and ethical frameworks
  • build global partnerships

What informed the draft briefing

The topic of the briefing was confirmed after public consultation in November 2021.

Its contents reflected what we heard during consultation on the topic, and the research used to inform it. It also reflected what we heard at a workshop held with Treaty partners and stakeholders.

We reflected on research on the following to inform the thinking of the briefing:

  • the past and present states of biodiversity,
  • global mega trends likely to shape the future, and
  • emerging technologies.

More information

Why we focussed on technology and information

Technology and information drive some of the most important changes in our world.

They develop quickly and have the potential to transform how we protect nature. They may greatly improve what we know about, and what we can do to protect biodiversity.

We are open to the possibilities these tools present – as we hope they may offer breakthrough opportunities to protect nature in the future.

We’re working with LINZ

This consultation is a partnership between DOC, and LINZ.

How submitters had their say

Submitters viewed the draft document, then had the option answer questions or make comments. They could do this by an online survey, email or post. Submissions closed Monday 16 January 2023.  

View a summary of submissions (PDF, 1,005K)

What happened next

The responses to this consultation provided valuable feedback on the draft LTIB. The draft briefing was then updated, adjusted, and strengthened to reflect the submissions received. 

In developing the briefing, three areas of transformation stood out as having particular promise for biodiversity conservation:

  • satellite imagery and remote sensing, for improved environmental monitoring and surveillance,
  • AI and data-driven technologies, for collecting and analysing vast quantities of data, and
  • genetic technologies, for new types of environmental monitoring and management.

These areas are detailed in the final briefing, with a look at their current state, future opportunities, benefits and limitations.

Read the Long-term Insight Briefing (PDF, 3,142K)

For more information on the process used to develop the LTIB, including consultation, engagement and key research, read our supplementary document (PDF, 754K).

Contact

If you have any questions email us. 

Email: LTIB@linz.govt.nz or LTIB@doc.govt.nz

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