Forum completes action plans

August 2009

The Nelson Biodiversity Forum has adopted the last of three action plans that cover the major types of habitats in the area. The Coastal and Marine Action Plan has now been adopted, while the Freshwater and Terrestrial Action Plans were signed off in April this year.

Each of the three action plans includes a vision for the next 50 years and sets out priorities for the protection and enhancement of biodiversity in each of the habitats.

The key projects indicated in the Coastal and Marine Action Plan are the preparation of an integrated Waimea Inlet Strategic Plan and better integrated management of greater Tasman Bay.

What is Eco-sourcing?

Eco-sourced plants are grown from seeds or propagules collected from naturally-occurring vegetation in a location close to where they are replanted as part of a restoration or revegetation project. The Nelson Biodiversity Forum with expert assistance from Forum member Department of Conservation has produced these guidelines for groups and individuals who wish to eco-source seeds in the Nelson area. Download the Eco-sourcing brochure (PDF@ 390KB).

Background

When the Nelson Biodiversity Strategy was launched in June 2007, it marked the end of one process and the start of another more detailed and involved one: the Nelson Biodiversity Forum.

Read more about the development of the Nelson Biodiversity Strategy.

Commitment to work together

Many partner organisations that initiated and developed the Strategy are now continuing to work together as the Nelson Biodiversity Forum to implement the key aims of the Strategy.  They have also been joined in their efforts by other groups that share their aims of protecting and enhancing our biodiversity.

The Forum has gained funding from central government that will allow five action plans to be created as outlined in the Biodiversity Strategy.

Freshwater Action Plan

The first plan that will be created is the Freshwater Action Plan, now in its draft stage. Part of developing the action plan is to audit work being done by various groups that preserve and enhance freshwater ecosystems. The audit ensures work isn’t being duplicated and checks all bases are covered.

The process used to develop and implement the Freshwater Action Plan will be used as a template for the remaining four action plans.

Contributing organisations

The spirit of co-operation remains strong within the Nelson Biodiversity Forum.  Each action plan is being tackled by its own working group made up of representatives from the contributing organisations.

The organisations contributing to the Strategy and the Forum action plans include:

• Nelson City Council
• NZ Landcare Trust
• Department of Conservation
• Hancock Forest Management (NZ) Ltd
• Ngāti Kuia Trust
• Nelson Forests Ltd (formerly Weyerhaeuser)
• Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society
• Nelson Environment Centre
• Tasman District Council
• Marlborough District Council
• Ministry of Fisheries
• Royal Forest and Bird
• Landcare Research
• Queen Elizabeth II National Trust
• Ngāti Toa Rangatira
• Fish and Game NZ
• Cawthron Institute
• Tiakina te Taiao Ltd
• Federated Farmers
• NIWA
• Nelmac
• Port Nelson
• Nelson Tasman Tourism
• Ngāti Koata Trust
• Ngāti Tama Manawhenua Ki Te Tau Ihu Trust
• Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Trust
• Te Puni Kokiri
• Cawthron Institute Trust Board
• Tuatara Māori Ltd
• Te Ngahere Nature Forest Management