Operative Waikato Regional Policy Statement (October 2000)

<<Previous    Index    Next>>

3  Significant Resource Management Issues, Objectives, Policies and Methods

3.11  Plants and Animals (Biodiversity)

3.11.1 Overview

New Zealand’s indigenous ecosystems are unlike those of any other part of the world and are greatly valued for their intrinsic values, scientific interest and cultural importance. In addition they provide many benefits to humans by: providing clean air and water; removing toxins; trapping the sun's energy through photosynthesis and making it available in the form of plant biomass; converting carbon dioxide to oxygen; providing a storehouse of genetic diversity; and offering a retreat, essential to our quality of life.

Maori regard all plant and animal life as significant, each with a particular purpose. Of special significance are the indigenous species. Many traditional foods and medicines are derived from indigenous biological resources.

In recent times, the emphasis for protecting indigenous ecosystems has shifted from management for human purposes to management for their values as communities of living organisms.

In particular, it is now regarded as important to prevent further modification of and to enhance wherever possible significant indigenous vegetation, significant habitats of indigenous fauna and significant indigenous ecosystems. These include lakes and streams, estuaries, wetlands, coastal margins and lowland forests - which are among the most productive and diverse ecosystems, yet traditionally the most sought after for development.

Intensive and extensive development has significantly modified and limited native ecosystems, animals and plants. However, in some parts of the Region large tracts of native forest and wetland can still be found. These act in conjunction with smaller habitat areas as wildlife corridors and refuges for native birds and other organisms moving from one area to another.

Similarly, riparian vegetation along the margins of lakes, rivers and coasts protects water quality and provides important habitat for a range of aquatic organisms. (Policy Three in section 3.4.5 addresses riparian management for water bodies.)

Some of the Region's indigenous ecosystems are important internationally as well as nationally. Some areas of particular ecological importance are noted below. However, this is not an exhaustive list, but rather an example of the ecological richness and diversity in the Region.

<<Previous    Index    Next>>