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The Environmental Defence Society says the Government’s announcement on conservation funding is a step in the right direction, but more is needed.
The funding will come from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy and be used for predator and pest control.
An additional $13 million will be invested in tourism infrastructure, including upgrading huts and resolving the backlog in Milford Sound concessions.
All international visitors pay the IVL, which has recently been increased to $100 from $35.
EDS submitted in support of that increase and that it should be used to fund conservation.
“This announcement is a good start,” says EDS CEO Gary Taylor.
“Conservation is in desperate need of more money and this funding will help slow the spread of predators and invasive plant species imperilling our indigenous biodiversity.
“But it is by no means enough. More systemic investment is required to ensure that indigenous biodiversity is maintained and restored.
“People come to this country to see our natural beauty and wildlife so an investment in conservation is an investment in economic growth.
“In the coming years, the newly increased IVL is estimated to return approximately $230 million per annum. We expect that more substantial additional contributions to conservation will follow.
“Indeed, there is a compelling case for giving the Department of Conservation all future IVL revenue so it can deliver for indigenous biodiversity and the economy,” says Gary.
