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International
significance of New
Zealand's
biodiversity
"New Zealand's unique biodiversity is internationally
important. We boast the world's only flightless parrot (kakapo);
a bird with nostrils at the end of its beak (kiwi); a primitive
frog that lays eggs that hatch adult frogs (Leiopelma species);
a large insect which fills a role that small rodents play in other
countries (giant weta); and many other exceptional species.
High percentages of New Zealand's indigenous species are
endemic (they are found nowhere else on earth) - a result of isolated
evolution and the diversity of New Zealand's land and seascapes.
This level of endemism is remarkable internationally. [...]
The uniqueness of much of New Zealand's indigenous
biodiversity means that responsibility for its continued existence
is entirely ours, it cannot be conserved in nature elsewhere in
the world". From The New Zealand Biodiversity
Strategy, February 2000, Part 1, Page 2.
Internationally-driven
reasons
to preserve
New Zealand's biodiversity
Economic rewards
"In addition to our productive systems being underpinned
by healthy ecosystems, our "clean and green" environment
is a major selling point in itself and will reap increasing rewards
in the 21st century. New Zealand primary producers target customers
who enjoy high quality products that come from a healthy and unpolluted
environment. This is also the foundation of our tourism industry.
However, our increasingly demanding international clients expect
the green image to be backed up by reality". From
The New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy, February 2000, Part 1,
Page 4.
International commitments
"New Zealand’s 1993 ratification of the Convention
on Biological Diversity (CBD) confirmed our ongoing commitment
to the international effort to conserve and sustainably use global
biodiversity. The CBD promotes the need for countries to work
together and coordinate efforts to tackle biodiversity issues
on a number of fronts, including science and research, information
exchange, national planning, and education and training".
"In addition to the CBD, New Zealand participates
in other international organisations and processes relevant to
environmental protection and species conservation. International
treaties have served to raise the profile of New Zealand’s biodiversity
(for example, New
Zealand’s World Heritage and important wetland sites), as
well as contributing to conservation outcomes in other countries,
for example by prohibiting trade in endangered species".
Special interests
"New Zealand has a special interest in Antartica and the
Southern Ocean — we have implemented the Protocol on Environmental
Protection (Antarctic
Treaty) and participate in Southern Ocean fishing management
under the Convention
on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).
New Zealand has responsibilties to ensure sustainable fishing
under the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement in areas beyond
our EEZ [exclusive economic zone] and for migratory species".
Three excerpts from The New Zealand Biodiversity
Strategy, February 2000, Part 3, Pages 115-116.
Resources
Significance of NZ's
biodiversity internationally
Economic rewards
- New
Zealand’s World Heritage
- New Zealand Tourism Board. 1996. Tourism in New Zealand: Strategy
and Progress. New Zealand Tourism Board: Wellington.
- New Zealand Tourism Board. 1996. International Visitor Survey:
April 1995– March 1996. New Zealand Tourism Board: Wellington.
International treaties
signed by New Zealand
Other international web resources on
biodiversity
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Kahikatea
trees
Rimu
Both
pictures courtesy of Department of Conservation
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