Climate resilient ecosystems
Our ecosystems are thriving in the face of climate change.
Goal for 2050: By working in tandem with nature, climate risks are reduced and Waitaha/Canterbury’s environments and taonga species are flourishing ki uta ki tai – from the mountains to the sea.
Action D: Work with partners, communities, and key stakeholders in developing a connected network of indigenous, climate-resilient ecosystems across Canterbury from the mountains to the sea
This action aims to develop strategic approaches to establish connected indigenous ecosystem networks in the region. This will allow biodiversity to thrive in the face of climate change and other threats and deliver a range of other benefits including enhancing mahinga kai, flood resilience, and carbon sequestration.
This action will be of most benefit to montane/hill country environments and alpine environments at risk from all hazards and urban communities at risk from flooding. This action presents a carbon sequestration opportunity from the restoration and promotion of wetlands and indigenous forests.
| Sub-action ID | Sub-action | New or existing action |
|---|---|---|
| D.1 | Work with partners and key stakeholders on location-specific climate change risk and vulnerability assessments for threatened species and ecosystems. | New |
| D.2 | Identify priority areas for protection and regeneration that form a connected network of indigenous, climate-resilient ecosystems across Canterbury to enable habitat shift in a changing climate. | New |
| D.3 | Work with partners to develop an integrated blue-green network strategy for Greater Christchurch. | Existing |
| D.4 | Review the Canterbury Biodiversity Strategy to provide for resilience to climate-related environmental changes. | Existing |
Action E: Lead collective efforts in pest management to minimise climate risks and enhance carbon sequestration
This action aims to ensure that our leadership and delivery of pest management in Canterbury allows indigenous biodiversity to thrive by reducing the risk of climate-induced pests and diseases.
This action will be of most benefit to terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems at risk from pests and diseases due to all hazards, and provides a carbon sequestration opportunity from its protection of indigenous biodiversity.
| Sub-action ID | Sub-action | New or existing action |
|---|---|---|
| E.1 | Continue to model climate impacts on invasive species in Canterbury. | Existing |
| E.2 | Review the Regional Pest Management Plan to include climate change risks and carbon sequestration opportunities. | Existing |
| E.3 | Continue to support Pest Free Banks Peninsula 2050 to reduce the risks to indigenous biodiversity from increasing pests and diseases due to climate change. | Existing |
| E.4 | Engage with stakeholders on reducing wilding pine seedlings and wilding pine removal to reduce risks to indigenous biodiversity. | Existing |
Action F: Promote forest management practices which reduce climate risks and enhance carbon sequestration
This action aims to ensure that both our and landowners’ forest management plans manage climate change risks, promote long-term carbon sequestration, protect native forests, and prioritise opportunities to enhance biodiversity.
This action will be of most benefit to montane/hill country environments and alpine environments at risk from all hazards and urban communities at risk from flooding. This action presents a carbon sequestration opportunity from intentional forestry practices.
| Sub-action ID | Sub-action | New or existing action |
|---|---|---|
| F.1 | Review and update Environment Canterbury’s forest management plans to ensure climate change risks and carbon sequestration opportunities are effectively managed. | Existing |
| F.2 | Continue the perpetual forestry project to support the protection of native forests along with climate co-benefits, in alignment with the Environment Canterbury land management strategy. | Existing |