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Some Good Conservation News
The Government has today announced it will be investing $19 million in improving biodiversity in national parks and other key visitor destinations. The money will come from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) and be used for predator and pest control.
An additional $13 million will be invested in tourism infrastructure, including upgrading huts and resolving the backlog in Milford Sound concessions.
All international visitors pay the IVL, which has recently been increased to $100 (from $35). EDS submitted in support of that increase and that it should be used to fund conservation.
“Today’s announcement is a good start. Conservation is in desperate need of more money and this funding will help slow the spread of predators and invasive plant species imperilling our indigenous biodiversity,” says Environmental Defence Society CEO Gary Taylor.
“But it is by no means enough. More systemic investment is required to ensure that indigenous biodiversity is maintained and restored.
“People come to this country to see our natural beauty and wildlife so an investment in conservation is an investment in economic growth.
“In the coming years, the newly increased IVL is estimated to return approximately $230 million per annum. We expect that more substantial additional contributions to conservation will follow.
“Indeed, there is a compelling case for giving the Department of Conservation all future IVL revenue so it can deliver for indigenous biodiversity and the economy,” concluded Mr Taylor.
Environmental Defence Society
EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence.
Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand
through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non-
profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes.
EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It
operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together
the private and public sectors for constructive engagement.
EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental
Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference.
EDS is a registered charity and donations to it are tax-deductible.
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