Reversing Biodiversity Decline in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

Reflections on the history of and prognosis for reversing biodiversity in Aotearoa New Zealand are provided from the perspective of a 40-year involvement in terrestrial ecology and its interface with central and local government policy development and implementation. The emerging favourable policy framework, continuing growth of iwi-and community-led conservation, and a shift to regional-scale restoration give cause for optimism. But reversal of biodiversity decline over still greater areas is required, alongside an in-perpetuity commitment to management that enhances indigenous biodiversity.