Maggie Barry needs to front with evidence to back up her claim that profits gained from Government investment in DOC’s tourism will be reinvested in biodiversity protection, the Green Party said today.
Conservation Minister Maggie Barry made the claim on RNZ’s Morning Report this morning that improving the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) tourism infrastructure will attract more tourists, helping the government to earn more money, which will then be reinvested in biodiversity protection.
“DOC’s Great Walks are operating at a multi-million dollar loss, I’m sceptical they’ll suddenly become great earners or that National will ring-fence any potential profits to fund protection of threatened species," said Green Party Conservation spokesperson Mojo Mathers.
“If Maggie Barry really plans to ring-fence DOC’s tourism profits and reinvest them in biodiversity protection she needs to show us the policy. If she believes the Great Walks are going to generate large profits she should show us the forecasts.
“The simple fact is that under National it’s become harder for DOC to do its core work of protecting New Zealand’s native wildlife and bush.
“National’s threatened species strategy ignores hundreds of species facing extinction, invasive wilding pines are increasing by 50,000 ha a year, and only a small portion of the conservation estate is being protected from predators.
“National needs to recognise that New Zealand is experiencing a biodiversity crisis and that if it doesn’t resource DOC to manage our threatened species properly, we are going to lose the unique wildlife and environment we treasure.
“The Greens in government will ensure that DOC is resourced properly to do its core work of protecting species and habitats” said Ms Mathers.
Latest Environment Announcements
Story
Greens call for public to back Wrybill in BOTY and beyond
Story
Fast track still on track to environmental destruction
Story
Government throws the environment on the scrap heap
Story
Further environmental mismanagement on the cards
Story
Scrapping Significant Natural Areas shows significant neglect
Story
Say hello to NZ’s most anti-environment government in decades
Latest Conservation Announcements
Story
Labour must deliver on No New Mines
Story
Inquiry into forestry slash and land use welcome, but more needed
Story
Time for Labour to deliver on No New Mines
Story
Urgent action needed at home following global deal for nature
Story
Swimmable rivers and healthy lakes could soon be out of reach
Story