Christchurch Biodiversity Strategy

Draft Biodiversity Strategy submissions closed 8 September 2004.

New Zealand's unique biodiversity is internationally important. It is also under threat and declining. Long term geographic isolation has meant that many of our native species are endemic (found only in New Zealand).

A New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy has been prepared which aims to halt the decline in our biodiversity. It sets out a vision where:

• New Zealanders value and better understand biodiversity;
• We all work together to protect, sustain and restore our biodiversity, and enjoy and share in its benefits, as the foundation of a sustainable economy and society;
• Iwi and hapu as kaitiaki are active partners in managing biodiversity;
• The full range of New Zealand's indigenous ecosystems and species thrive from the mountains to the ocean depths; and
• The genetic resources of our important introduced species are secure and in turn support our indigenous biodiversity.

A Biodiversity Strategy is being prepared to identify and prioritise actions and methods that can be implemented in Christchurch to achieve the national goals for biodiversity. The strategy was available to the public for comment from 14 July to 8 September 2004.

The Council's biodiversity team can also be contacted at biodiversityteam@ccc.govt.nz.

Futher material available:

• A definition of biodiversity
• A list of references related to biodiversity in Christchurch
• Legal basis for action (policy & legislation)