Communities Leading the Charge on Sustainable Conservation
Flora and Fauna of Aotearoa: Press Release, March 2019

New Zealand’s heavy use of poisons is damaging our environment and putting wildlife, waterways and people at risk, say newly formed environmental group, Flora and Fauna of Aotearoa. Shifting to more sustainable and ecological approaches will be the topic for their upcoming Sustainable Conservation Conference at Lopdell House in Auckland, on April 6th & 7th.

The purpose of the conference is not just to discuss some of the issues, but to form strategies for positive solutions that can then be picked up by local communities. The event will bring together experts in toxicology, animal welfare, conservation, ecology, sustainability, people with personal experiences of poisoning and those new to the topic.

Dr. Wayne Linklater, Associate Professor of Conservation Science at Victoria University of Wellington, who leads research in New Zealand on new technologies for pest mammal control, will be giving a presentation via video link, discussing the human dimensions of environmental and wildlife management and the diverse array of conservation values that exist in New Zealand. Professor Linklater has authored many articles including more recently Facts' don't give scientists a monopoly on the truth, and Do conservationists care enough about people?

Speaking on poisons, Professor Ian Shaw, Toxicologist from the University of Canterbury will address the effects of those poisons causing the most concern and his thoughts on change. Researcher, author and Waikato District Councillor Kathy White, who is also Chair of the Environmental and Services Performance Committee will speak on the documented effects on waterways and wildlife as well as regulatory issues. Christine Sumner, Science Officer for the SPCA will discuss the SPCA position and ethical principles of wildlife management. Hana Blackmore from the Pesticide Action Network and Steve Torrington, trustee of Flora and Fauna of Aotearoa and Founder of MoreWisdom.org (support network for people with pesticide poisoning) will discuss the effects on human population health and the challenges and successes in creating change.

Trustee, Asha Andersen, says, “How can we best support and encourage low-impact environmentally friendly solutions to take the place of these poisons? How can we support biodiversity, flora and fauna, native and non-native, in ways that are sustainable and that fit with our values? Opportunities that communities can consider adopting include, wildlife sanctuaries, humane trapping, hunting, fur-recovery, bushcraft and rongoa schools, recreation, eco-tourism, social enterprises and education, all built around respecting and supporting the environment. When people understand and live in harmony with their environment, they also understand the responsibility of taking care of it, because they are deeply connected to it.”

The Sustainable Conservation panel special guests include Nyree Porter Manuel, Brad Flutey, Dinesha Senarathna, Steve Boot and Alan Simmons. This diverse group will speak about solutions that focus on sustainable initiatives and encouraging community Kaitiakitanga. Ecological conservation models, community driven forest and biodiversity plans, the role of the possum fur industry, wildlife-nature tourism and much more will be discussed as potential avenues for communities wanting positive solutions.

Flora and Fauna of Aotearoa would like to see the government allocate part of the Provincial Growth Fund towards supporting communities develop these initiatives. They are working with a variety of local and national groups and individuals, to create a network with open source knowledge and support for new initiatives. “If we have some of the concepts laid out, information on funding options and practical support readily accessible, it becomes a lot easier for locals to set up their own projects and develop their own plans. Right now dozens of communities throughout New Zealand are looking for methods that fit their values and way of living and that needs to be respected and supported.” Says, Asha.

www.floraandfaunaaotearoa.co.nz

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