Network Conference Highlights Urgent Need For Plant Conservation Action in Lowlands
The continuing decline of indigenous biodiversity outside nature reserves in lowland New Zealand and its limited protection were two of the main themes of the 2010 Network conference held in Christchurch this week.Several speakers described the ongoing decline in condition of indigenous threatened species populations and plant communities. The principal threat in all cases was identified as humans directly causing habitat destruction and indirectly through their introduction of exotic plants and animals to New Zealand.
Sir Alan Mark gave the Tane Ngahere lecture and described the considerable successes over the last 50 years with conservation of indigenous grasslands.
Keynote speaker, Professor Steve Wratten, opened the conference by describing the critical importance of nature’s services within agricultural systems and how ecologists are needed to assist farmers find solutions to building sustainable businesses.
Posted: 10/10/2010