Conservation Funding Gets A Boost

World Wide Fund for Nature-New Zealand is calling for applications to its newly established Habitat Protection Fund.

WWF-NZ Chief Executive Jo Breese says the Habitat Protection Fund has been set up “to promote the conservation of New Zealand’s natural environment.”

The Fund provides financial support for local groups working to protect areas of high conservation significance in their community.

Ms Breese says priority is given to projects which involve: · restoration and conservation of critical habitats and ecosystems; · re-planting and conservation of traditional, indigenous species; · promoting environmental education and building capacity to enhance awareness and understanding of conservation issues; and · the creation of opportunities for employment and community development.

The closing date for the next round of applications to the Fund is 1 May 2000.

Projects funded to date include a community based reforestation project in Napier, a revegetation project in Kaitaia, a national reforestation programme providing plant growing units to schools and the production of a Sustainable Development Handbook bringing together the concepts and technology for ecologically sustainable development.

The primary sponsor of the Habitat Protection Fund is The Tindall Foundation.

For more information contact: Jo Breese, Chief Executive, phone (04) 499 2930, e-mail jo.breese@wwf.org.nz

Information on the Habitat Protection Fund is also available through WWF-NZ’s website: wwf.org.nz.

© Scoop Media