Vanishing Nature: facing NZ’s biodiversity crisis

Monday, 30 March 2015, 12:57 pm
Press Release: Environmental Defence Society

Vanishing Nature: facing New Zealand’s biodiversity crisis.

New Zealand’s remarkable indigenous biodiversity is fragile and in decline. The latest publication by EDS is Vanishing Nature: facing New Zealand’s biodiversity crisis.

This important book is the first comprehensive analysis of the state of New Zealand’s biodiversity and its management. It concludes that New Zealand’s natural world is in decline and recommends a suite of strategic, tactical and practical responses.

The authors argue that the fundamental drivers of ecological harm and the barriers to effective protection must be addressed if we are to halt the loss of our native species and ecosystems and maintain our natural capital.

Lasting and effective protection of species we hold dear - the kiwi, the kauri and the kokopu and the habitats in which they live - will require novel economic institutions and far greater accountability on all users of the natural world. Law and policy alone cannot prevent ongoing biodiversity loss. We need institutions, legislation, policy and programmes that address the political, economic and social factors driving decline. Novel pest control methods, marine law reform and improved wildlife legislation will help, but cannot alone generate the change needed to safeguard biodiversity and our environment.

“Biodiversity loss is not inevitable. It is a choice. We are losing species and ecosystems, but we can choose to turn the tide. Some innovative thinking and dedication will get us there, and it’s time we mustered it,” says lead author Dr Marie Brown of EDS.

“There is no one silver bullet. Enduring protection of nature relies on everyone playing their part. The burgeoning community conservation sector in New Zealand is testament to the passion kiwis have for their beaked namesakes, and the rest of the species and ecosystems that are a crucial part of our national identity,” Dr Brown concluded”

The book emphasizes how real protection will require changes that will bring private and public interests towards alignment, neutralize the drivers of loss and lower barriers to conservation. Economic growth and nature conservation need not be in conflict.

ends

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Environmental Defence Society

EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence.

Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non- profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes.

EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together the private and public sectors for constructive engagement.

EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference.

EDS is a registered charity and donations to it are tax-deductible.

Contact Environmental Defence Society

• Website - www.eds.org.nz
• Email - manager@eds.org.nz
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