Landcare Research Moves to Link Biodiversity and Carbon Sinks
Copyright 2001 New Zealand Press Association
August 23, 2001
By Kent Atkinson of NZPA Wellington, Aug 23 - Government science company Landcare Research says it will next week launch a framework for native forest, along with pine plantations, to offset greenhouse gas emissions.
Planting and maintenance of indigenous forest to offset greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide was proposed last year by Landcare chief executive Andy Pearce.
Next Wednesday Science Minister Pete Hodgson, who chairs the cabinet taskforce on climate change, will launch Landcare's Emission/Biodiversity Exchange in Wellington. The exchange will target the use of indigenous plantings to soak up'' carbon dioxide emissions, and simultaneously tackle not only climate change caused by greenhouse gases, but also the need to boost biodiversity in New Zealand.
It plans to work in partnership with businesses and other organisations to raise environmental awareness of their greenhouse gas emissions, and to trigger investment in planting native forest.
The not-for-profit exchange will also enable the science company to tap into two high-priority Government policy streams -- national biodiversity and climate change strategies.
The exchange's executive officer Ian Turney, said putting back native forests was seen as the best way of locking up some greenhouse gases.
At the same time, planting native trees and restoring existing sites helped to put back much of the biological diversity which New Zealand had lost.
It also helped restore bird and insect life, stabilised riverbanks, reduced land and water pollution, cooled and cleaned air in cities, and enhanced landscapes.
Landcare Research is discussing making the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust a national partner in the exchange. The trust helps landowners, such as farmers, who want to covenant and fence ecologically valuable sites to protect them from destruction by future landowners.
Other partners are also being recruited to supply land that has been legally protected in perpetuity, manage restored sites, supply seedlings, fencing, staff training or to help with energy audits and monitoring of carbon and biodiversity gains.
Sponsors are sought to help fund native tree planting and will receive audited reports of their carbon emissions.
The sponsors and partner organisations will also be able to use the system to contribute to greater local employment, training, and new technologies. On Wednesday, the exchange's first greenhouse gas offset certificate will be presented to the Tourist Industry Association.