Tackling nature-loss
© DOC

Tackling nature-loss

Protecting our native species and habitats

New Zealanders have a deep connection with nature. Our landscapes and wildlife are incredibly unique and are central to our wellbeing and identity.

Our economy is underpinned by our primary industries, such as agriculture, fisheries and forestry, which rely heavily on nature. Our clean and green image is known worldwide, and our tourism sector also depends on a healthy environment.

But nature is in trouble. Aotearoa New Zealand has the highest proportion of threatened species per capita in the world, with about a third of our native species (around 4,000) threatened or at risk of extinction. 

In December 2022, New Zealand and other countries around the world signed up to the UN Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), a global Treaty which aims to halt and reverse the loss of nature by 2030. 

WWF played a leading role globally in developing the ambitious goals and targets in this Treaty. In New Zealand, WWF is pushing for the changes needed to meet these targets and working with industries to help adopt nature-friendly practices.

Through our partnership with the Tindall Foundation, our Community Conservation Fund also supports community groups on the ground to conserve and restore Aotearoa New Zealand's natural environments and the native species in these habitats.
 

© Unsplash

What is ‘Nature Positive’?

WWF is part of the global movement to secure a ‘nature-positive’ world by 2030. This means working towards a world where there is more nature than there is today, and nature and people thrive together.

WWF’s 2024 Living Planet Report shows there has been a 73% decline in wildlife populations around the world since 1970. The report tells us a huge collective effort will be required over the next five years to tackle the dual climate and nature crises. 

Unless the world takes immediate action to reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, it will not be possible to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

We need action from the whole of society to secure a world where there is more nature by 2030 than there is now. Governments must lead the way with each country sharing their plans for halting and reversing the destruction of biodiversity.

© Catherine Barnett / YEPT

A Nature Positive Aotearoa

Despite the importance of Aotearoa’s natural environment to our economy and wellbeing - and the fact many of our native species are on the brink of extinction - the case for urgently addressing nature-loss is still poorly understood.

WWF-New Zealand and EY New Zealand have produced a report identifying the costs and opportunities of halting and reversing biodiversity decline by 2030.

It reveals that protecting nature could save Aotearoa New Zealand more than $270 billion over the next 50 years.

Actions such as creating more Marine Protected Areas to help protect and restore marine ecosystems, restoring degraded wetlands, or repurposing land to support native forest growth, all bring huge benefits to our economy.

Our report also shows how businesses can make nature-positive changes in their operations, and how governments can help to get them there.

Together, we hope to create a pathway to a nature-positive future for Aotearoa New Zealand.

© Bernard Spragg

It’s time to invest in our biggest asset: nature

Aotearoa New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DOC) manages one third of the country and the protection of all our native species on less than one percent of New Zealand’s GDP – or a budget roughly the same as the Christchurch City Council’s.

This is a big task. DOC looks after more than eight million hectares of land, 44 marine reserves, 220 large islands and hundreds of smaller ones.

It is also charged with maintaining an enormous network of walking tracks, campsites and huts, and thousands of heritage sites. And it’s responsible for ensuring the survival of all our native species of flora and fauna – many of which are now threatened with extinction.

WWF-New Zealand continues to advocate for governments to properly invest and care for Aotearoa’s most critically important asset: nature.

Nature Positive by 2030

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