A strategic social impact assessment for Predator-Free Rakiura, New Zealand, with a human–ecological approach

Abstract

Stewart Island/Rakiura, the third largest island in New Zealand, around 30 km off the South Island, provides sanctuaries for endangered species and subsequent work on ecological restoration. The natural environment of Rakiura is nationally significant, with habitats and ecosystems that, physically and ecologically, are highly interdependent and relatively unmodified in comparison with mainland New Zealand. We undertook a strategic social impact assessment of a programme to achieve Predator-Free Rakiura (to remove introduced mammalian predators from the island), using a human–ecological approach whereby a participatory process scoped key issues and effects, described a social baseline and assessed different options for future conservation management. The research found local efforts at predator control could be supported by a clear vision and strategic pathway, along with better information on biological and technical components. The findings include a framework to link better the ecological and societal dimensions of islands in future planning of predator control and conservation management.