In a statement, regional council chairwoman Hilary Calvert said indigenous biodiversity in Otago is under pressure from threats such as habitat loss, invasive pests and climate change.
"Across the region, mana whenua, communities, landowners and businesses are stepping up.
"In true Otago fashion, they are already making a difference. But more is needed."
Indigenous (native) biodiversity in Otago is remarkably varied.
It includes kea in Kā Tiritiri o te Moana (the Southern Alps), mokomoko (skinks) in Central Otago, giant wētā in Pātearoa and the Rock and Pillar Range, and hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins) on the coast.
Challenges include galaxiid fish surviving only in refuge streams, and threatened cushion plants and native grasses clinging to ridge tops.
Lowland podocarps, kānuka shrubland and rare dune systems hold remnants of once-dominant ecosystems.
Tūaki (cockles) nestle in coastal estuaries and offshore are pakake (New Zealand sea lions) as well as forests of rimurapa (kelp).
The draft strategy is the next step after ORC’s 2018 Biodiversity Strategy and 2019 Biosecurity Strategy.
It sets a long-term vision for the region and short-term goals through to 2040 and outlines the regional council’s approach to strengthening the collective effort of mana whenua, communities, landowners, businesses, central government and local councils.
"It sets the course for us to deliver on our responsibilities and meet our community’s expectations to look after our unique biodiversity. The final strategy will guide our future work, but it won’t create new rules," Ms Calvert said.
"The draft does not include budgets or work plans as we will be asking for your feedback on these through our Long-Term Plan and Annual Plan."
To prepare the draft, the regional council worked in partnership with Kāi Tahu and collaborated with the Department of Conservation and local councils.
It drew insights from across the region and nationally through more than 44 stakeholder meetings and a wide range of research.
Feedback is open until November 30 at orc.govt.nz/ourbiodiversityfuture. — Allied Media
