Groups join up for nature
A new group focused on environmental restoration and nature conservation has been launched in the Bay.
Bay Conservation Alliance started last week as part of National Conservation Week with support from Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage.
Founded by four Western Bay Community Conservation groups — Maketu¯ Ongatoro Wetland Society, tanewainuku Kiwi Trust, Aongatete Forest Project and the Uretara Estuary Managers — Bay Conservation Alliance will support and grow community-led environmental restoration and nature conservation. Newer members include Te Whakakaha Trust and Friends of the Blade.
“We are about harnessing the power and enthusiasm of small community groups, agencies and the wider community to develop bigger landscape-scale conservation projects,” said Julian Fitter, Alliance chairman. “It is about joining the dots across both community groups and landscapes, by taking a smart regional approach to restoring nature and lightening the load by providing groups with shared support services.”
The launch event marked the first year of operation, and it is inviting others to get involved. It offers support services to community conservation groups in administration, communication and marketing, nature education, fundraising and project management. Individuals can sign up to the new Friends of Bay Conservation programme.
The launch was attended by community groups, agencies, iwi and funders and with encouragement from Eugenie Sage, Bay of Plenty Regional Council Deputy Chair Jane Nees and DOC Operations Manager Jeff Milham.
“Recognising DOC cannot do it alone, the groundswell in community groups wanting to contribute to the restoration and improved health and management of the ngahere is growing,” Mr Milham said. “Bay Conservation Alliance is one of the first of its kind around Aotearoa to recognise the need for the administrative support required to achieve this. Good planning, meeting legal requirements, having sufficient funds and increasing capability are the backbone of every successful project. Bay Conservation Alliance is providing that backbone and allowing those that prefer the ‘hands on’ conservation work to do the best job they can.”
The Western Bay’s natural environment is one of our greatest assets, however pressures such as pest invasions, plant diseases, sedimentation, pollution and habitat loss means nature needs our help, he said.