Have your say on credit system to incentivise protection of biodiversity
The Government is exploring whether a biodiversity credit system could help to incentivise the protection and restoration of native wildlife in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Many farmers, landowners and tangata whenua invest time and resources in protecting indigenous biodiversity on their land. Despite their efforts, thousands of native species are at risk of extinction.
A biodiversity credit system would help to conserve habitats and species by enabling landowners, who protect and restore native wildlife, to earn credits for their actions.
Private companies, charities, investors, philanthropists and others who wish to support biodiversity protection would be able to buy biodiversity credits from landowners.
Biodiversity credit systems are being developed overseas and in Aotearoa New Zealand.
There is interest across different sectors in establishing a system here to support wildlife protection by farmers, landowners, tangata whenua, local and central government.
Activities the system could support include:
- protecting or re-establishing forests
- restoring wetlands
- planting native trees and shrubs
- creating buffer zones near protected habitats
- connecting wildlife corridors.
Being able to verify that biodiversity credits are protecting and restoring wildlife is key to attracting investment from individuals and organisations committed to protecting biodiversity.
The Government wants to support and enable the right biodiversity credit system for New Zealand.
The Ministry and Department of Conservation (DoC) are seeking public feedback on how a biodiversity credit system could be set up and what role the Government should play in it.
We will consider the feedback people provide before making recommendations to the Government on how the credit system will work and what conservation efforts qualify for biodiversity credits.