Conference 2003
Greening the City:
Bringing Biodiversity Back
into the Urban Environment
Abstract:
Coastal
Dune Biodiversity — Challenges for Management
Philip Grove (Environment Canterbury)
The natural character
and physical form of Christchurch's coastal dune systems have been
greatly changed since European settlement, with consequent loss
of native biodiversity. Under the Christchurch Beaches and Coastal
Parks Management Plan, 1995, management of the Christchurch
coastline is the responsibility of the City's Parks and Waterways
Unit and managed under the 'Coast Care' programme.
One of the main objectives
of the Parks and Waterways Unit's coastal management plan is to
preserve, and where possible re-establish, the indigenous ecology
of the Christchurch coastal environment, with an emphasis on indigenous
wildlife habitats. The challenges to meeting this objective include
the often-conflicting demands of urban development and public access
for recreation.
This presentation will
provide an overview of coastal dune biodiversity in Christchurch,
look at some of the opportunities for protecting and enhancing this
biodiversity, and examine the challenges posed by people, their
pets and their vehicles. The question is, to what extent are we,
the public, prepared to change or constrain the way we access, use
and manage coastal dune systems, so that there can still be a place
for the original inhabitants, the native flora and fauna. The focus
will be on Christchurch, with brief reference to neighbouring coastal
dune systems north and south of the City boundaries.
Conference sponsored
by:
Follow this link to
view other organisations
supportive of the conference
Top
of page
|
