January 19, 2010

MEDIA STATEMENT

Canterbury’s Environment to receive Enhancement boost

Canterbury biodiversity is set to reap the benefits over the next year from the allocation of $175,000 plus in-kind contributions through Environment Canterbury’s Environment Enhancement Fund.

Environment Canterbury biodiversity portfolio chair Cr Jane Demeter said it is hugely encouraging to see such passion and widespread commitment to the region’s biodiversity from private landowners right across Canterbury.

“There’s fierce competition for the contestable funding every year and it was a challenging job for the committee to pick the best from 108 proposals, many of which were first-class,” said Cr Demeter.

The Environment Enhancement Fund was launched in 2001 to provide financial assistance to individuals and communities wishing to restore or enhance the natural environment. Funding is allocated on behalf of Canterbury ratepayers so that the region’s natural environment can be enjoyed by all.

“Many of the applications are from farmers or land-owners who are prepared to commit time, land and plenty of hard work in the true spirit of land stewardship,” said Cr Demeter.

“It’s great to see businesses get behind environmental initiatives too. Honda New Zealand is once again contributing a very generous $49,700 to provide native trees for projects through the Honda TreeFund.”

Even small areas can create connectable pockets of habitat for Canterbury’s native plants and animals. Projects range from the protection of remnant indigenous bush, through wetland and stream restoration, to amenity plantings. Many also make the most of support from the Department of Conservation or the QE II Trust.

As an example of the kind of work supported by the Environment Enhancement Fund, Te Runanga o Koukourarata on Banks Peninsula/Horomaka have chosen to fence riparian strips and re-plant native tree species along two streams close to Port Levy.

Runanga spokesperson, Peter Ramsden said it is a way of acknowledging their responsibilities as Maori as well as working with the wider community.

“It involves values that are shared equally with our Treaty partners - principally kaitiakitanga - a way of managing the environment that reflects the deep kinship between people and the natural world.

“The opportunity to be able to apply for funding is truly appreciated, knowing that the results will benefit all. This is another exciting step towards the creation of an 82.7 hectare Conservation / wahi tapu reserve,” said Mr Ramsden.

“Environment Canterbury is keen to support communities and form partnerships to restore or enhance the environment. If you tried for Environment Enhancement Funding but missed out this time, keep trying - there’s no limit on the number of times you can apply,” said Cr Demeter.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can enhance biodiversity in your local area please contact Environment Canterbury on 0800 EC INFO or check out http://www.ecan.govt.nz/About+Us/Awards/eef.htm

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Additional information:
The Environment Enhancement Fund opens to applications from June 1 to August 31 each year.

2009/10 FUNDING AWARDED BY DISTRICT:

ASHBURTON - $23,765 – 7 projects
CHRISTCHURCH - $24,701 – 9 projects
HURURNUI - $28,357 – 7 projects
KAIKOURA - $9,756 – 2 projects
SELWYN - $17,380 – 5 projects
TIMARU - $22,653 – 8 projects
WAIMAKARIRI - $22,866 – 6 projects
WAIMATE - $16,816 – 5 projects
WAITAKI - $9,020 – 2 projects
20 Honda Tree Fund Projects throughout Canterbury

ENDS

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