Government biodiversity work programme

The way we use our land has changed significantly. Forests, shrub and grasslands have been lost to towns, cities and farms. What remains is becoming increasingly fragmented.

The way we have exploited natural resources has led to long-term decline in native wildlife and ecosystems. 

We have a more damaging climate. This includes more floods, wildfires, droughts and slips. 

Pollution from plastics, metals, nutrients and sediment is damaging native wildlife and their habitats.

Find out about the state of our native wildlife in Environment Aotearoa 2022

Te Mana o te Taiao – Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy

This is the guiding document for how we protect, restore and sustain our native wildlife from 2020 to 2050. It’s led by the Department of Conservation.

The strategy supports Aotearoa New Zealand to meet its international obligations under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.

Find out more about Te Mana o te Taiao [Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai website]

National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity

In July the Government introduced the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity (NPSIB). 

The NPSIB means clear and consistent standards for identifying, managing and protecting our wildlife and ecosystems. 

See the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity

Development of a biodiversity credit system

The Government is exploring the development of a biodiversity credit system to support the protection and restoration of our native wildlife. These systems are emerging overseas and a small market already exists here.

The Ministry for the Environment and the Department of Conservation are seeking feedback on:

• how a biodiversity credit system could be set up
• what role the Government could play in the system.

Ensuring protection and enhancement efforts are authentic is a high priority.

Find out more and have your say on the biodiversity credit system

The consultation closes on 3 November.