Natural flood protection investigated through Jobs for Nature
The Jobs for Nature programme is getting behind 21 two-year projects to investigate ways of working with nature to build resilience and better protect communities from future flooding.
The Ministry for the Environment announced $5 million in funding to 15 regional councils and unitary authorities to investigate nature-based solutions for river or coastal flood risk, partnering with mana whenua and local communities.
This funding will go towards exploring ways to harness nature-based interventions to mitigate this risk, such as river, flood plain and wetland restoration to protect against the increased likelihood of more frequent flooding caused by heavy rain events.
Developing nature-based solutions through initiatives like the Jobs for Nature programme can also support the local community and economy by creating local and meaningful employment opportunities
Ministry for the Environment Acting Director Policy Implementation and Delivery – Investments, Wes Patrick, said nature-based solutions were becoming increasingly recognised as an effective way to boost climate resilience and reduce flood risk.
“Nature-based solutions include restoring wetlands, planting native vegetation, and reviving old channels. They can help to reduce and slow down the flood waters and the effects of flooding such as erosion, sedimentation and loss of vegetation cover, while supporting native biodiversity,” Dr Patrick said.
About Jobs for Nature
The $1.19 billion Jobs for Nature programme is a five-year government initiative, creating nature-based jobs to benefit the environment and support the economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The agencies administering the funding are Ministry for the Environment, Department of Conservation, Ministry for Primary Industries, Land Information New Zealand and Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment.
For more information on Jobs for Nature, visit Mahi mō te Taiao Jobs for Nature.