Posted on 29-6-2003
Environment
& Conservation Organisations NZ
ECO Media Release Awataha Marae, North Shore, Auckland
North Shore, Auckland 29 June 2003 - The ECO national environmental
summit meeting in Auckland this weekend has marked out key environmental
problems for urgent action. The summit, the Environment and
Conservation Organisations of NZ, brings together delegates
from organisations throughout the country to discuss environmental
issues and how to get change and traction on the problems.
Reports on multicultural conservation by Maori, Pacific and
Chinese communities showed that conservation is not the preserve
of pakeha. The conference heard from Estella Lee of the Chinese
Conservation Education Trust (CCET) about Chinese community
moves to protect New Zealand's environment.
"The Trust has grown into an organisation of over 500 members
within a year, and we are eager to expand it nationally and
work with the mainstream conservation organisations," CCET
Chair Estella Lee said.
Annie Wheeler talked about efforts by the New Zealand Pacific
community to spread the word about marine protection and the
need for biosecurity measures. Maiki Marks, presented her work
as Co-ordinator of Environmental Education for the Auckland
College of Education, showed videos on environmental protection
made by and for children in schools, both Maori and pakeha.
"We have marked out the need for a range of actions to
move Auckland and other major cities on to a more sustainable
track – with measures for better provision for people
in cities, for people friendly transport and meeting spaces,
creative innovations in urban planning and lighting, community
democracy and access to environmental education," said
Cath Wallace, ECO Co-chair.
Minister of Conservation Chris Carter, who addressed the conference
on Friday evening, gained strong support for his work to protect
the marine environment and to prevent the conservation estate
from suffering incursions and flooding for hydro. Options and
opportunities for switching the economy to renewable energy
forms, particularly solar and wind power were also detailed.
"Chris Carter received strong applause for the Government's
work for whale protection but criticism that the Government's
target of 10% of the marine environment in marine protected
areas was too little and would allow rates of extinction well
above 10% of species".
Aquaculture's impacts on the environment were detailed and deplored.
The Department of Conservation was seen as underfunded and too
focussed on land at the expense of the marine environment. The
need for extra pest control was stressed.
The ECO Conference, "Getting Results" continues on
Sunday, with an address from the Minister of Energy and Fisheries,
Hon Pete Hodgson at12 midday.
More information on the ECO website at www.eco.org.nz
For further information contact Cath Wallace, c/o
025 622 7369; Estella Lee 025 918 151
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