Force for nature but biodiversity insight lags

Most Christchurch residents recognise the value in protecting natural flora and fauna but many do not feel confident about their understanding of biodiversity in the region.

The first Life in Christchurch Natural Environment Survey has sought feedback on environmental and biodiversity issues, natural environments, waterway quality and amenity, responsibility and actions, and climate change.

A silvereye feeds in the Botanic Gardens.

More than half of the 2350 respondents describe their understanding of environmental issues in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula as good or very good.

However, only 44 per cent rate their understanding of biodiversity as good or very good.

Christchurch City Council Monitoring and Research Team Leader Kath Jamieson says the survey highlights that local residents value their natural environment and are prepared to play their part in protecting and nurturing the region.

“The biennial survey shows that 97 per cent of respondents agree or strongly agree that the city’s natural flora and fauna, and landscapes need to be protected for future generations while 95 per cent see native bush, tussock land and wetlands as important to the region’s identity,” she says.

Surface water and the quality of river banks are viewed as being in the poorest condition, with 76 and 57 per cent, respectively.

“We are pleased to note that nearly 30 per cent of respondents have done volunteer conservation work in the past 12 months, including picking up rubbish and weeding (66 per cent) and community planting (57 per cent),” Ms Jamieson says.

However, survey respondents believe that the responsibility for protecting and maintaining the environment sits with the Christchurch City Council, Environment Canterbury, the Department Of Conservation, land owners and the community equally.

“In all, 68 per cent of respondents are very concerned about climate change, a big jump on the response to the Council’s 2007 Natural Environment Strategies Survey.”

Local beaches, the Port Hills, Ōtākaro /Avon River and Ōpāwaho/Heathcote River and Banks Peninsula bays and harbours are the most favoured parts of the region, with between 60 per cent and 80 per cent of survey respondents visiting these areas in the last 12 months.

Most people visit the city’s natural areas for recreational purposes such as walking and cycling (85 per cent).

The Life in Christchurch natural environment web-based survey was undertaken between 11 May and 11 June 2018. The survey results will help inform Council decisions.