29 July 2015

HBRC Adopts Hawke’s Bay Biodiversity Strategy

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council today unanimously endorsed the Hawke’s Bay Biodiversity Strategy, which has been under development by major groups, agencies, tāngata whenua and key individuals since 2012.

Today’s recommendations include HBRC’s intent to sign a Hawke’s Bay Biodiversity Accord at the highest level of commitment possible, and to facilitate a strategy launch event in the coming months. Once launched, this project will shift into a long-term implementation phase.

During a presentation to Council, Acting Interim Chief Executive Iain Maxwell described the process used to collectively support the improvement in Hawke’s Bay’s native species and habitat, integrating Māori values, improving partnerships and involving the wider community.

“The Biodiversity Strategy is a document of opportunity. It favours native species and habitats, with a practical long-term view of what we might all achieve by working together,” said Mr Maxwell.

“We know that the biggest opportunities for biodiversity gains are on private land, so we’ll continue to work closely with relevant landowners.”

“A point often gets raised as to what this means for introduced (exotic) trees and plants, some of which are favoured by native birds. This strategy acknowledges that a wide variety of habitat types will support native species and needs to be flexible if implementation is to be successful,” said Mr Maxwell.

HBRC staff will now plan a strategy launch and the signing of an Accord document, for all interested and involved parties, to publicly commit to the strategy’s vision for enhanced, healthy and functioning Biodiversity.

HBRC’s current Long Term Plan has provided for the employment of a part-time Biodiversity Coordinator, supported by the Department of Conservation. The role will initially focus on forming a Biodiversity Forum and establishing a Biodiversity Trust.

The Hawke’s Bay Biodiversity Strategy is a non-statutory document aimed at improving the effectiveness of biodiversity management among the major parties, by aligning programmes and resources. The Strategy is facilitated by HBRC on behalf of the wider Hawke’s Bay community.

ends

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