Council's plans for protecting biodiversity

The Christchurch City Council today sealed its commitment to conserving the area’s biodiversity by releasing its strategy for protecting and enhancing the city and peninsula’s unique flora and fauna over the next several decades.

Mayor Bob Parker said a sustainable future for biodiversity is a responsibility that can only be provided for locally.

“The Council, in partnership with local communities, landowners, iwi and government agencies, is committed to protecting indigenous biodiversity as an essential part of the rural and urban fabric of Christchurch and Banks Peninsula,” said Mr Parker.

“Biodiversity means the variety of living things on earth, but sadly it is gradually diminishing as a result of human activities.

“In Christchurch there is a microcosm of New Zealand’s own native biodiversity, as well as plants and animals that have been brought here by human settlers. Native plants and animals are unique to us and are particularly under pressure.

“You don’t have to go far to see our native biodiversity,” said Mr Parker.

“We have internationally important birds: for example, godwits return to the coast every year in August and Australasian crested grebes gather on Lake Forsyth/Wairewa.

“We have amazing jewelled geckos in the Port Hills and many rare and precious plants throughout the area, many of which can be seen at the Botanic Gardens.”

Mr Parker said the Biodiversity Strategy 2008-2035 will help guide the Council and community to protect, restore and manage the biological remnants that provide continuity with our past.

“These remnants also provide a unique point of difference that sets our district apart from other parts of New Zealand and the world.

“We are all responsible for biodiversity and by working together what seems a small step can really make a difference,” said Mr Parker.

In joining Mayor Parker at today’s launch of the Strategy, Associate Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson said safeguarding biodiversity is fundamental to continued economic prosperity.

“As a nation we rely upon the plants and animals that make up biological diversity for our food and shelter, as well as for national and international commerce,” said Ms Wilkinson.

“Farmers, fishermen and all those who carry out downstream work are reliant upon the natural world to provide us with the basic building blocks of life. Significant losses in biodiversity will threaten the economic viability of many industries.

“Because we are all reliant upon biodiversity, we are all responsible for its longevity.

“It is essential to be working together helping the community at large understand not only the value of biodiversity, but how we can all help to safeguard it.”