Biodiversity Strategy
Canterbury boasts a diverse range of habitats, from the mountains to the sea, that sustain a fabulous array of plant and animal life. This diversity helps give the region – the largest in New Zealand – its unique character.
A multi-interest Advisory Group has developed the first region-wide, collaborative vision for maintaining and enhancing this natural heritage. A Biodiversity Strategy for the Canterbury Region is a non-statutory document that establishes a framework of goals and priorities for undertaking biodiversity initiatives.
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Environment Canterbury is one of 22 Canterbury organisations represented on the Advisory Group. Also represented are city and district councils, central government agencies, research and conservation organisations, Ngai Tahu, NGOs, and land owner, industry and community groups.
The strategy fosters a coordinated and cooperative approach, and recognises the importance of shared responsibility and working together to achieve the strategy's vision. Continued commitment and participation from our communities, decision-makers and landowners will ensure continued enjoyment of our region’s natural landscapes and wildlife in the future.
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity is the variety of all biological life – plants, animals, insects, fungi and microorganisms, the genes they contain, and the ecosystems they collectively form.
Why is biodiversity important?
New Zealand’s biodiversity gives our country a unique character and is internationally important. Many of our native species and the ecosystems in which they live are not found anywhere else in the world. This means our natural heritage makes a significant contribution to overall global biodiversity.
Biodiversity also provides social, cultural and economic benefits through, for example, recreational opportunities, tourism, research, education, provision of ecosystem services and natural resources for primary industries, and customary and medical uses.
How can I help?
Everyone can play a part in maintaining and enhancing our region’s biodiversity. Whatever activity you get involved in …native tree plantings, beach clean-ups, stock control and fencing, legal protection of land, project funding … you will be helping preserve our natural inheritance.