| ||||||||
 | ||||||||
|
|
|
Biodiversity |
BiodiversityNew Zealand's biodiversity has been identified as unique but the decline in biodiversity has been described as New Zealand's "most pervasive environmental issue". (State of Environment Report 1997) Biodiversity has been described as "the variety of all biological life – plants animals, fungi microorganisms – the genes they contain and the ecosystems on land or in water where they live." (Biodiversity Strategy 2000) It includes both indigenous and exotic species and also aquatic ecosystems as well as terrestrial.Biodiversity has been included in the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 as a matter to be given recognition. In addition the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy "Our Change to Turn the Tide" (2000) establishes a framework to ensure that biodiversity in NZ is managed appropriately. The strategy also recognises NZ's obligations un the International Convention on Biological Diversity. Because much of the biodiversity in New Zealand exists on farmlands the management of these areas is important. In addition agricultural and horticultural systems depend on a variability in organisms for the cultivating of crops and rearing of animals. Risk Areas/IssuesBiodiversity - General
|
| |