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Back From The Brink: Biodiversity Information and Journalism

A Scoop Journalism Deep-dive on Biodiversity and the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy.

Contents
Scoop Features
Also on Scoop
Reports/Papers
Other reporting and analysis

Scoop Features:

Ian Llewellyn - A Biodiversity Explainer
Ian Llewellyn - A National Policy Statement on Biodiversity is where interests could collide

Scoop Hivemind: Restoring And Protecting Our Biodiversity
Scoop and PEP invite you to help decide how we should protect and restore our biodiversity over the next 50 years using Scoop’s online engagement platform, HiveMind. More>>

• Background on the project - Biodiversity HiveMind: Back From The Brink?

Closing Soon: Back From The Brink HiveMind
This is the last chance to add statements to the Biodiversity HiveMind public engagement before it closes on 22 September.
Get in quick if you have ideas or proposals to add to the HiveMind conversation on protecting and restoring biodiversity in Aotearoa New Zealand. The last day for adding statements is 11 September 2019. More>>

Biodiversity HiveMind Update
At a time when opinion can seem polarised, Scoop’s HiveMind process is able to identify areas of common ground. For example, almost everyone seems to agree that we should innovate to become more inclusive of nature and biodiversity in our city/town designs, that owning water rights should not allow owners to degrade the resource, and that we should be creating more mainland sanctuaries and marine reserves... More>>

There Is A Field: Reimagining Biodiversity In Aotearoa
We are in a moment of existential peril, with interconnected climate and biodiversity crises converging on a global scale to drive most life on Earth to the brink of extinction. However, our current worldview and political paradigm renders us incapable of responding adequately due to its disconnected and divisive default settings.

These massive challenges can, however, be reframed as a once in a lifetime opportunity to fundamentally change how humanity relates to nature and to each other. Read on The Dig>>

• The Dig - Scoop’s Engaged Journalism Platform Launches

Dave Hansford on The Dig: Whose Biodiversity Is It Anyway?
The DOC-led draft Biodiversity Strategy seeks a “shared vision.” But there are more values and views around wildlife than there are species. How can we hope to agree on the shape of Aotearoa’s future biota? More>>

Veronika Meduna on The Dig: Kaitiakitanga - Seeing Nature As Your Elder
This story addresses the intricate interconnections between climate change and biodiversity loss, and how this disruption impacts Māori in particular. Meduna also discusses this relationship with prominent Māori scientists and environmentalists and inquires into how the concept of kaitiakitanga and traditional Māori knowledge and practices around environmental care can play a role in protecting and restoring biodiversity in the future. More>>

Ellen Rykers on The Dig: Community Conservation - The solution to the biodiversity crisis?
In spite of the dire outlook for our biodiversity, there’s a spark of hope glimmering in the eyes of conservationists. Across the country, we’re seeing a shift. Over the last decade, community groups have cropped up like weeds, with concerned citizens keen to tackle the challenge of ecological restoration on their patch.
It’s increasingly clear that a government agency alone cannot combat the biodiversity crisis successfully. These grass-roots initiatives are a growing resource in the conservation toolbox. More>>

Also On Scoop:

New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy Discussion Document Launch:
Te Koiroa o te Koiroa - Discussion document [PDF]
NZ Govt - Government takes action for nature
Science Media Centre - DOC Biodiversity Strategy – Expert Reaction
Environmental Defence Society - EDS Welcomes NZ Biodiversity Strategy Discussion Document
Forest And Bird - Forest & Bird welcomes biodiversity plan - Giant kokopu hotspot discovered on Waiheke Island - Call for more marine protection around Auckland
Federated Farmers - Federated Farmers backs key themes of biodiversity strategy

Biodiversity announcements and updates:

• NZ Govt - Govt helps to restore shellfish beds of Hauraki Gulf - Govt joins forces with communities to clean up waterways - Work to begin on Taranaki Crossing project
• Department of Conservation - More protection for endangered kakī - Search and rescue finds mountain climbing kiwi
• Greater Wellington Regional Council - Harbour sediment rates too high for healthy habitats - Planting empowers potential for Porirua waterway - Family fun for the 50th Conservation Week
• Nelson City Council - Council launches environmental grants scheme
• Gwynn Compton - Ambitious vision of “Coast to Crest” green corridors - Restoring biodiversity of Maitai and Roding Water Reserves
• Hawkes Bay Regional Council - Spraying responsibly this season
• Enviroment Canterbury - Milestone for Ahuriri Lagoon wetland project
• NIWA - Eyeless worm a window into our diverse ocean
• Tupuna Maunga o Tamaki Makaurau Authority - 74,000 new native plants for Auckland’s maunga
• Building Better Homes Towns and Cities - Radical Rethink Of Our Cities Will Improve Urban Wellbeing
• Zealandia - ZEALANDIA Named One of TIME's 100 Greatest Places of 2019
• NorthTec - Bold predator-free vision for Whangarei city
• WWF - Global Forest Wildlife Populations in Significant Decline
• Comvita NZ - 2,300,000 Bee-friendly Trees added to National Tree Count
• GE Free Northland - Another Northland Council joins appeal against GMO decision
• Our Seas Our Future - Fishing Industry Spin on Maui Conservation
• Tuwharetoa Settlement Trust - Recipient of inaugural Tūwharetoa scholarship
• Water NZ - Water reforms and long term sustainability
• Glen Barry - On Amazon Fires: It’s the Ecology Stupid
• University of Auckland - New study reveals dugong in big trouble

Wellington Events: Conservation Week’s 50th Anniversary
It’s the 50th Anniversary of Conservation Week and Greater Wellington Regional Council are celebrating by teaming up with local organisations to host events across the Wairarapa during September 14-22. More>>

• NZ Govt - Minister launches 50th Conservation Week - Nature needs us
• Department of Conservation - Nature needs us to take action in our backyards this week - Auckland Harbour Bridge Illumination for Conservation Week
• Hamilton City Council - Bats are Cool: Conservation Week at Waikato Museum
• Urban Wildlife Trust - Great Kererū Count 2019
• Pest Free Waitakere Ranges - New Pest Free Alliance Formed
• Climate Justice Taranaki - Taranaki Climate Action Week announced Sep 20-27
• Hastings District Council - Litter campaign aims to keep Hastings beautiful
• Five plus a day - Kiwis Back A Plant-Based Diet To Improve Our Environment
• Science Media Centre - Air pollution reaches the placenta – Expert Reaction
• Amnesty International - Youth Climate Groups Receive Ambassador of Conscience award - Amnesty International’s top honour goes to NZ youth groups
• Water NZ - Water reforms and long term sustainability
• Keep NZ Beautiful - Young Reporters for the Environment winners announced
• Nelson City Council - Free Buses Weekend 21 and 22 September

Fresh Water: Government Launches Action Plan
The Action Plan for Healthy Waterways sets out the proposed new requirements to improve freshwater, which include: • Raising the bar on ecosystem health, including protecting wetlands and streams... • Set higher standards for swimming... • Interim controls on land intensification... More>>

• The Nation - Environment Minister David Parker
• BusinessDesk - Hydro exemption from water standards risks two-tier regime - Farmers face $1b bill to meet new freshwater requirements - Big hydro generators offered protection from new regime
• Science Media Centre - Freshwater action plan - Expert Reaction - Updates
• NZ Govt - Late freshwater submissions will be accepted - Government launches consultation on environmental reforms
• National - Ratepayers set for a shock as result of freshwater proposals - Gov't must extend freshwater consultation period - Freshwater consultation process a farce - Freshwater proposals to hammer farmers - Freshwater discussion document short-sighted and flawed
• Greens - Government proposals seek to treat water as taonga
• Water NZ - Water reforms and long term sustainability - Thumbs Up for Freshwater Announcement
• Local Govt NZ - Govt must take communities with them on freshwater
• IrrigationNZ - IrrigationNZ says Gov action for healthy waterways holistic
• Environmental Defence Society - Freshwater reforms response
• Federated Farmers - Feds calls for immediate release of independent peer review - Concerns about speed of the freshwater consultation process - Freshwater proposals throw farming under the tractor
• Greenpeace - Govt proposes cap on synthetic fertiliser to help rivers
• DairyNZ - Economic report an inaccurate, trivial attack on farmers - Thanks for listening Minister, but bit longer would be nice - Government must extend Freshwater consultation - Helping waterways without hurting rural communities
• Forest and Bird - NZIER: No economic threat from new fresh water rules - Hope for the future of fresh water in New Zealand
• Choose Clean Water - Freshwater policy holds potential if Gov resists pressure
• Maori Council - Gov response to freshwater degradation a great first step
• Horticulture NZ - Horticulture NZ welcomes Gov’s freshwater document
• Fish and Game NZ - Fed Farmers fight against new rules - Freshwater plan unlikely to have major impact on Dairy - New Zealanders deserve fresh, clean water
• Bay of Plenty Regional Council - Regional Council maintains water momentum
• Hawkes Bay Regional Council - Regional Council Welcomes Essential Freshwater Package
• Otago Regional Council - Action plan for healthy waterways
• Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu - Fresh Water Plan Lacks Treaty Partnership
• Nelson City Council - Significant changes proposed to freshwater management
• Environment Institute of Australia and NZ - Freshwater reforms likely to fail with Council indifference
• NZ Forest Owners Association - Foresters welcome risk based Standards for freshwater
• Waiau Rivercare Group - Gov Freshwater Action Plan a disaster for Waiau River
• Local Govt NZ - LGNZ releases freshwater modelling report
• Fish and Game NZ - Fish & Game react to shoddy LGNZ Essential Freshwater report
• Waiau Rivercare Group - Did Minister Parker mislead Cabinet?
• Horticulture NZ - Vegetable growers get behind farm environment plans
• Meat Industry Association - Freshwater proposals a blunt instrument for complex issues

Amazon Watch: "Unprecedented" Fires In Brazilian Amazon
"The unprecedented fires ravaging the Amazon are an international tragedy and a dangerous contribution to climate chaos. This devastation is directly related to President Bolsonaro's anti-environmental rhetoric..." More>>

• The Scoop Team - PM's Post-Cab 26/8/18: Breaches, Burning
• UN News - UN chief appeals to G7 leaders for ‘strong commitment’
• Image Greenpeace - Greenpeace captures images of fires in the Amazon
• Survival International - Indigenous leaders denounce Amazon fire as terrifying plague Uncontacted tribes now threatened by Amazon fires
• Save the Amazon Forest - Wellington demo “Save the Amazon Forest/Salve a Amazônia!”

Māui And Hector’s Dolphins: WWF/Industry Counter Offer On Threat Management Plan
Forest & Bird says WWF-NZ's plan for protecting Māui dolphins is based on testing unproven methods on a species that is almost extinct, and is urging the Government to reject the proposal. More>>

• RNZ - Image Drones wanted in fight to protect Māui dolphins - Arguments over Māui and Hector's dolphin protection plan
• Greenpeace - Sanford’s Māui plan labelled ineffective - Race to save Māui dolphins to land on Parliament steps
• World Animal Protection - Sanford gambit a bid to protect profits, not dolphins
• Seafood NZ - Dolphin plan deeply flawed
• Forest and Bird - Last chance to save Māui dolphins

Earlier Press Releases
New Zealand Government - New National Biodiversity Strategy needed
New Zealand Government - Forest mast significantly boosts breeding of rare kākāriki
New Zealand Government - One Billion Trees Fund supporting indigenous restoration
New Zealand Government - Councils, iwi and DOC unite for conservation
New Zealand Government - International Declaration on Biodiversity
New Zealand Government - Indigenous Biodiversity report released
United Nations - Preserving biodiversity vital to reverse climate change
Forest And Bird - Biodiversity consensus a game-changer for NZ
Robert McLachlan and Steven Alexander Trewick - NZ biodiversity losses match global crisis
NZ Energy and Environment - Jones speaks in favour of gene editing
GWRC - Collaborative action on biodiversity
GWRC - New regional biodiversity group gathers
BusinessDesk - Govt opts for sweeping review of 'underperforming' RMA
University of Canterbury - Marine heatwaves threaten global biodiversity
Biodiversity Collaborative Group - Collaborative report a breakthrough for biodiversity
LegaSea - Madness of trying to manage fisheries with property rights
Hawke's Bay Regional Council - Learning the ropes – marine pests
Environment and Rec Fishing Coalition - Fishers join environmentalists to save kauri forests
Biodiversity Collaborative Group - Collaborative report a breakthrough for biodiversity

Papers/Reports

David Hall (The Policy Observatory) - The Interwoven World
Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment - Weaving Resilience into our Working Lands: recommendations for the future roles of native plants

IPCC Climate And Land Report
WWF: “This report sends a clear message that the way we currently use land is contributing to climate change, while also undermining the land’s ability to support people and nature." More>>

• UN - World food security increasingly at risk - New UN Report Shines Light on Trends in Climate Action
• Science Media Centre - IPCC Climate Change and Land report - Expert reaction
• BusinessDesk - Food waste massive contributor to global emissions - IPCC
• The Commonwealth - Commonwealth Secretary-General on Pacific Climate Change
• Greenpeace NZ - Greenpeace calls for halving the herd following IPCC report
• Dairy NZ - IPCC Special Report adds needed detail to climate debate
• Federated Farmers - Feds: No reason for ‘carbon guilt’ over NZ meat, milk - Climate change, ETS policy now farmers’ No 1 concern - Feds calls for honesty on what farmers are being asked to do
• Meat Industry Association - IPCC Report highlights efficient NZ farming systems
• Vegan Society - UN Calls for Plant Based Farming
• Ora Taiao - Ministry right to urge reduced meat and dairy in hospitals

On RNZ

Government seeks feedback on biodiversity strategy
New biodiversity strategy a roadmap to reversing the trend
Leadership 'lacking' in new conservation strategy
Government's biodiversity document lauded by farmers' union
Tarakihi numbers can be turned around - marine biologist

On The Conversation

Duncan McLaren - Exaggerating how much CO can be absorbed by tree planting risks deterring crucial climate action

Steven Alexander Trewick and Steven Alexander Trewick - NZ is home to species found nowhere else but biodiversity losses match global crisis

David Choquenot - Seeing the wood for the trees: Kiwi lead in biodiversity conservation

Steve Morton, Andy Sheppard and Mark Lonsdale - Explainer: what is biodiversity and why does it matter?

Nic Rawlence - Proposal to mine fossil-rich site in New Zealand sparks campaign to protect it

Troy Baisden - How New Zealand’s well-being budget delivers for the environment

Brian Lovett - Is an ‘insect apocalypse’ happening? How would we know?

Tanya Latty and Timothy Lee - How many species on Earth? Why that’s a simple question but hard to answer

Kat Bolstad and Heather Braid - Squid team finds high species diversity off Kermadec Islands, part of stalled marine reserve proposal

Stuart Reynolds - What happens to the natural world if all the insects disappear?

Stephanie Anderson - Regenerative agriculture can make farmers stewards of the land again

Michael (Mike) Joy and Sylvie McLean - Despite its green image, NZ has world’s highest proportion of species at risk

Greg Asner - To solve climate change and biodiversity loss, we need a Global Deal for Nature

Georgia Garrard, Nicholas Williams and Sarah Bekessy - Here’s how to design cities where people and nature can both flourish

Michelle Lim - ‘Revolutionary change’ needed to stop unprecedented global extinction crisis

Max Finlayson - We need an international approach to biodiversity (but local action)

Bill Bateman, Dale Nimmo, Don Driscoll, Grant Wardell-Johnson, Noel D Preece and Sarah Luxton - Australia’s draft ‘Strategy for nature’ doesn’t cut it. Here are nine ways to fix it

Stephen Woroniecki - George Monbiot Q + A – How rejuvenating nature could help fight climate change

Dustin Marshall and Liz Morris - No-take marine areas help fishers (and fish) far more than we thought

Miguel Lurgi - Habitat loss doesn’t just affect species, it impacts networks of ecological relationships

Derek Lynch - Soil is the key to our planet’s history (and future)

Victor Anderson - Biodiversity loss has finally got political – and this means new thinking on the left and the right

Don Driscoll, Desley Whisson, Euan Ritchie, Mike Weston, Raylene Cooke and Tim Doherty - We must rip up our environmental laws to address the extinction crisis

Sheila R. Colla and Rachel Nalepa - Give bees a chance: We can’t afford to lose our wild native pollinators

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