Thursday, 9 August 2012

Water conservation orders deserve celebrating

United Future Leader Peter Dunne has welcomed a brand new campaign celebrating water conservation orders and the 15 waterways currently protected by them.

The campaign led by Fish and Game NZ, Forest and Bird, the Environmental Defence Society, Whitewater NZ and the Federated Mountain Clubs is aiming to raise awareness about the existence and importance of water conservation orders.

“Water conservation orders are a little known but crucial part of the environmental management framework in this country,” said Mr Dunne.

“New Zealanders are quite rightly proud of our natural heritage, particularly our network of national parks, conservation areas and marine reserves, however very few people are even aware of the existence of water conservation orders.”

“Effectively water conservation orders are national parks for our waterways, which is why it is such a pity that until now they have not been celebrated as such.”

“I congratulate the various conservation and recreation organisations responsible for the campaign and wish them well in their efforts to further emphasise the importance of protecting the quality of our freshwater resources,” said Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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