Still work to do to protect our biodiversity

The World Economic Forum (2022) states that the world’s wildlife populations have decreased by almost 70% during the past 50 years. Human population growth, deforestation, increasing consumption, and reduced resource efficiency has impacted our fragile ecosystems resulting in habitat loss, the introduction of invasive species, pollution, and global warming.

Biodiversity, a term frequently used in conjunction with global warming, is the measure of the variety of plants, micro-organisms and animals that support life on earth. It is the complex interactions that provide the air we breathe, and the food on our table. Remove just one element from a functioning ecosystem, and the natural balance changes those interactions resulting in negative outcomes.

While it is easy to feel daunted by the scale of the problem, it is reassuring to know that each of us can make a difference, and there are many examples across our region of individuals and community groups protecting and enhancing our natural treasures.

I have been fortunate to have witnessed some of that work through my involvement with the Yealands Marlborough Sustainability Initiative during the past four years. We have witnessed significant progress on wetland regeneration, predator control, native tree production and planting, protecting endangered species and improving water quality.

It has also been fantastic to see sporting and community clubs do their bit on their own land – through protecting waterways, planting surplus land and predator control.

Industry is playing its part, too. The 2023 New Zealand Winegrowers annual report noted progress against several sutainability measures, including water and electricity use, carbon footprint and biodiversity. The report showed that within Marlborough there were 327 vineyards, accounting for almost 50% of our region’s total vineyard area, reported to be undertaking some form of indigenous tree-planting programme. Stand-out performers include Pernod Ricard, Lawsons Dry Hills, Whitehaven, Dog Point and Tohu to name a few, alongside our growing number of organic and biodynamic producers.

Activity within the Climate Action Marlborough group also demonstrates progress across our broader business community – significant developments in the aquaculture, horticulture, and forestry processing sectors. An increasing emphasis on procurement and the impact across the full supply chain are common themes resonating with local businesses.

Here at Yealands, we have embarked on a 30-year biodiversity plan, covering 270h, and we’re aiming to plant 1 million native trees. While we are just four years into the programme, we have already seen noticeable benefits in soil health (organic material and water holding capacity), water quality and reduced inputs. We are very much of the belief that a more biodiverse vineyard is healthier and more resilient, which also makes good business sense when you look at the recent weather extremes across the country associated with the warming climate. We are working with tertiary institutions to bring some science around measuring the impact of biodiversity on production and the environment and look forward to sharing that with interested parties in time.

While there is so much to be proud about, be under no illusion – there is still plenty more to be done. In Marlborough we still have plant and animal species critically endangered, invasive weeds strangling our native trees, water quality challenges, growing land fill and pollution. It is important to recognise that everyone can play their part – whether its volunteering for one of the many environmental groups, planting insect friendly trees at home, recycling, minimising waste, or doing the right thing even though it might take a little more time. Do not leave it to someone else – get in and protect our region and our precious natural assets that make Marlborough so special.

Remove just one element from a functioning ecosystem, and the natural balance changes.

Michael Wentworth Yealands general manager of sustainability