| The Environmental Defence Society has today filed its final submissions on proposed changes to the conservation management planning system and on visitor access charging to some conservation areas.
Reform of the conservation management planning system
“EDS supports the need to modernise and streamline the conservation management planning system. However, the proposals need substantial improvements,” says EDS Policy Director Raewyn Peart.
“The scope and purposes of the reforms are much broader than improving conservation outcomes. They also seek to deliver for a range of tourism and commercial outcomes, which creates a number of tensions and dilutes delivery for conservation. A stronger conservation-focused lens is required.
“One of the most critical system supports needed is a clearer set of purposes and priorities to guide land management and decision-making. Protection and enhancement of ecological integrity, indigenous biodiversity and the well-being of te taiao should be the foremost priority.
“It is also essential that sufficient checks and balances are put in place to address the risks associated with streamlining the management system and providing increased flexibility through relaxing current restrictions. These are weak and need beefing up.
“Of greatest concern is that it will be much easier to dispose of conservation land. There is a risk that large tracts of public conservation land could be disposed of in the pursuit of objectives that have little connection with conservation.
“The proposals are detailed and EDS supports many aspects of them. Several improvements are also needed and are set out in our submission, including, of note: |