Regional ecology solution

Ecological field work spanning nine years and covering a million hectares across 260 properties was acknowledged when a report on the north Marlborough Significant Natural Areas Project was launched on Friday.

The survey, which assessed the variety of ecological communities and species north of the Wairau River, identified 630 environmentally important sites warranting protection over 43,000 hectares.

The launch of the report before more than 50 landowners, Marlborough District Council staff and councillors and representatives from the Department of Conservation and Federated Farmers marked the official end of field-survey work.

Marlborough mayor Alistair Sowman said the project was one of those which made him particularly proud to be mayor.

"Here we have shown to the rest of New Zealand how good relationships and good communication can create understanding and co-operation can achieve so much ... it's taken nine years, but council and property owners have come up with a uniquely Marlborough solution."

The council has established a landowner-assistance programme to help encourage the protection and restoration of some of the areas considered significant. Ecologists Geoff Walls and Philip Simpson and environmental consultant Paul Millen were hired by the council following a similar survey of south Marlborough completed in 2005.

- The Marlborough Express