October 7, 2008
MEDIA STATEMENT
New Canterbury biodiversity website launched.
The Canterbury Biodiversity Advisory Group has launched a “one-stop shop” website to showcase the region’s unique and
varied wildlife and ecosystems.
The website - www.canterburybiodiversity.org.nz - is designed to link people with information, like-minded people, and a
wide range of biodiversity projects so that they can discover more about Canterbury’s natural heritage and how to
protect it.
“The website provides news, material from various organisations and agencies, and links to a range of activities
happening around the region. It will make it easier for people to know what’s happening in their community and
throughout Canterbury,” says the newly appointed regional biodiversity coordinator, Wayne McCallum, who will maintain
the website.
The advisory group is encouraging people and organisations involved in protecting our native plants, animals and
habitats to contact the coordinator to publicise their efforts.
“The website will be more interesting and comprehensive as more and more information gets included. I encourage groups
and individuals – landowners, community groups, hapu – to let me know about the conservation work they are doing,” says
Wayne McCallum
The website is one of the initiatives of the Canterbury Biodiversity advisory group, who developed New Zealand’s first
region-wide biodiversity strategy, A Biodiversity Strategy for the Canterbury Region that was launched in March by the
Minister of Conservation, Hon. Steve Chadwick. The strategy outlines key priorities for biodiversity in Canterbury.
The advisory group represents 22 organisations including councils, government agencies, research and conservation
organisations, Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu, and landowner, industry, and community groups.
Seed funding for the Regional Biodiversity Coordinator position was secured through a grant from the national
Biodiversity Advice Fund and Environment Canterbury (ECan) funding.
If you would like to learn more about Canterbury’s biodiversity or to publicise your conservation efforts, visit
www.canterburybiodiversity.org.nz or email the coordinator at info@canterburybiodiversity.org.nz
ends