Biodiversity cause unites region

Taranaki’s native plants and animals were the winners today (Friday 27 July) as the region’s key biodiversity champions signed a ground-breaking agreement to work together for the common good.

Hailed as a first for New Zealand, the Taranaki Biodiversity Accord has 19 initial signatories spanning community groups, iwi, researchers and official agencies. The document commits them to better co-ordinating their efforts on agreed priorities for the protection and enhancement of native flora and fauna, pooling resources where possible.

“This is an Accord that’s by, for and between the people who are doing the work on the ground to protect and enhance indigenous biodiversity in the region,” says the Taranaki Regional Council Chairman, David MacLeod. “It’s a tremendous achievement for Taranaki and will lead to greater enhancement and protection of the region’s native flora and fauna.”

The Accord was signed at a ceremony in New Plymouth today attended by the Minister of Conservaton, the Hon Kate Wilkinson. Signatories included representatives of:

• East Taranaki Environment Trust

• Federated Farmers

• Fish and Game

• Forest and Bird – North Taranaki

• Forest and Bird – South Taranaki

• Mapping Analysis and Information Network (MAIN) Trust

• Nga Motu Marine Reserve Society

• NZ Herpetological Society

• QEII National Trust

• Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust

• Taranaki Kiwi Trust

• Taranaki Tree Trust

• Tiaki Te Mauri O Parininihi Trust

• University of Waikato Environmental Research Institute

• Department of Conservation

• New Plymouth District Council

• South Taranaki District Council

• Stratford District Council

• Taranaki Regional Council

 

 

Mr MacLeod says the Accord is a living document and other organisations will be welcome to join.

He says it reflects a close relationship between the region’s biodiversity groups, who come together regularly at Taranaki Biodiversity Forums. The fifth such Forum was held in November last year.

“It’s another example of the Taranaki Way – different groups focused on working together to achieve the best bang for their combined bucks.”

The Accord can be found online at www.trc.govt.nz/taranaki-biodiversity-accord/