Media Release
7 August 2013

Hawke’s Bay Biodiversity Strategy will bear fruit

The Hawke’s Bay Biodiversity Strategy Steering Group members had their third meeting on 6 August and are pressing forward, developing a regional inventory, common objectives, preferred outcomes and an Accord for all parties to sign.

The Strategy is being facilitated by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council on behalf of all active and interested parties in the region, with the expectation of an Accord being ready to sign in mid-2014.

Campbell Leckie is HBRC’s Land Services Manager and chairs the multi-agency Biodiversity Steering Group. He says that the group is working well on developing a ‘big picture’ strategy that is well-aligned to objectives and actions.

“What it means for the future of Hawke’s Bay is likely to be a more integrated picture of our biodiversity state, agreed priorities for action and clear outcomes,” says Mr Leckie, and added, “This needs to be success on the ground focused driven by a collective vision for biodiversity for our region, and we want to increase the opportunities that will come from working together.”

The steering group has strongly supported other initiatives proposed as part of the strategy such as a regional biodiversity forum which will connect and strengthen the ability of groups, individuals, and organisations to make a positive difference for biodiversity .”

While the Regional Biodiversity Strategy for Hawke’s Bay will not bear fruit until 2014, much of the nursery work is taking place now and will start to germinate this spring:

- Biodiversity Accord, first draft ready November 2013 (revisions until May 2014)
- Biodiversity Accord finalise May 2014
- Regional Biodiversity Forum to be held in July 2014
- Biodiversity Accord August 2014, Accord public signing

More information can be found online at www.hbrc.govt.nz, keyword search: biodiversity strategy.

ENDS

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