Future of conservation estate subject of public symposium

A range of ideas for the future of public conservation lands and waters - from compensating landowners for protecting biodiversity to giving iwi title to specific parks - has been advanced at a public symposium.

About 150 people attending the University of Otago's natural resources law research cluster held a public symposium at the Hutton Theatre last week to present the university's latest research on conservation.

Senior lecturer in law Nicola Wheen, who spoke on climate change, said the implications of climate change meant trouble for New Zealand biodiversity.

Climate change meant some species could move to a better suited climate, so conservation boundaries would have to be more flexible, as would legislation.

People needed to recognise the value of conservation and private landowners who protected biodiversity should be compensated, she said.

"We can't be reliant on willing landowners. It needs to be the attractive thing to do."

Speaking about the possibility of Maori-owned parks, senior lecturer in law and cluster co-ordinator Jacinta Ruru said giving iwi title to specific national parks was a controversial topic but not something that should be feared.

"It should be embraced with gusto."

Other nations had embraced the concept, with lands being handed back to indigenous peoples, but with various management arrangements put in place to ensure public access.

"It seems a small thing to do to recognise Maori as original owners. It might not mean much in reality other than being symbolic."

Department of Tourism senior lecturer Dr Anna Thompson said there was a danger New Zealand management of the conservation estate was not keeping pace with visitor expectations.

Research in national parks had shown many visitors wanted to avoid commercial activities as they were there seeking the "natural quiet".

Design studies senior lecturer Dr Mick Abbott spoke about ways to build a greater sense of public engagement in the conservation estate including, developing the potential to increase volunteering.

A greater sense of involvement could be fostered with simple signage, creating facilities that were identified with their setting and were not all the same, and by getting children engaged early.

- rebecca.fox@odt.co.nz