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Protecting biodiversity

Last updated: 22 February 2023
Reporting frequency: Quarterly
Portfolio: Biodiversity and biosecurity

We are protecting, enhancing and regenerating priority habitats and wetlands in collaboration with the community. We are doing this by creating a shared regional approach to biodiversity – enabling, leading and supporting partnerships that will protect and restore Canterbury’s indigenous biodiversity.

We do this through a programme of biodiversity initiatives, which deliver on the Canterbury Biodiversity Strategy and Canterbury Water Management Strategy criteria to protect and regenerate priority habitats and investment in creating corridors and linkages to connect these habitats.

We are continuing work to revitalise the Canterbury Biodiversity Strategy through a coordinated regional approach to biodiversity that identifies regional priorities, including marine ecosystems, and reflects the roles of all partners and stakeholders. In doing so, we are engaging with mana whenua to ensure we identify and protect kaitiakitanga roles and valued places.

This work includes:

How are we tracking on our Levels of Service?

Level of Service 13 Lead a shared regional approach to biodiversity.

To achieve this level of service we will:

  • 13.1 Revitalise the Canterbury Biodiversity Strategy, ensuring it identifies regional priorities and the roles of all partners and stakeholders
  • 13.2 Work with Ngāi Tahu on decision making relating to indigenous biodiversity
  • 13.3 Develop and implement a regional biodiversity monitoring framework

How are we doing: This project is contingent on the release of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity by Central Government, which has been delayed. This impacts our ability to progress.

At risk
Level of Service 15 Work with landowners, Ngāi Tahu, the community and agencies to protect, enhance and regenerate priority habitats including wetlands.

To achieve this level of service we will:

  • 15.1 Work with partners to implement priority habitat protection and restoration projects
  • 15.2 Increase understanding of the effectiveness of Environment Canterbury-funded biodiversity projects
  • 15.3 Work with landowners to protect and maintain natural wetlands

How are we doing: Good progress is being made on wetland management plans. No data is available for programmes that report annually.

On track

How are we doing on our key initiatives?

Develop a biodiversity monitoring framework

How are we doing: We are continuing to test and evaluate monitoring methodologies.

On track
Working with landowners to protect, enhance and regenerate priority habitats

How are we doing: We have partnered with landowners and allocated funding to projects across the region.

On track
Delivery of on the ground biodiversity projects

How are we doing: Funding has been allocated for targeted biodiversity projects across braided rivers, wetlands, fish habitat and pest control in partnership.

On track

Recent highlights and updates

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