A large driver of this UC Biodiversity Strategy is to ensure sustainable funding for environmental outcomes following the change in national policy. The UC Biodiversity Strategy is based on the concept of a Conservation Alliance:-
Conservation alliance concept – a desire to see an increasingly sustainable level of funding support for conservation and environmental initiatives across the Upper Lakes rohe has led to early-stage discussions between ORC, WAI Wānaka, Southern Lakes Sanctuary and Mana Tāhuna about ways to achieve this. The concept under discussion is the formation of an alliance through which to prioritise work to achieve landscape scale change and to attract significantly increased funding. The Biodiversity Strategy provides a well-aligned, tangible mechanism to help bring this alliance concept to life. The intention would be for the alliance to be inclusive of the many groups that are active across the Upper Lakes. - Ben Youngman, Wai Wanaka, Science & Research Lead
FOBC Comment: At this stage the “bigger picture” about funding for environmental objectives remains unclear. With QLDC repeatedly warning that they have no “spare money” and indications from the National government that funding for environmental initiatives established under the previous government will be wound back, it will be more important than ever for our local environmental groups to present a cohesive and co-ordinated approach when lobbying for funds.
From FOBC’s POV, we will endeavour to keep abreast of developments in this space and continue to advocate for the ongoing protection of Bullock Creek.