Credit: Snappy Goat/ FlickrThe uniqueness and complexity of New Zealand's native biodiversity is remarkable. It is also declining and in danger. Companies and individuals are often unsure about what to do or not do to preserve it. The New Zealand Journal of Ecology has published a new paper that provides guidance about what biodiversity is most important in order to protect it from further destruction.Suzie Greenhalgh, co-author, says that the criteria for the Biodiversity Collaborative Group was developed during preparations for long-delayed National Policy Statement for indigenous Biodiversity. We were asked by the BCG "In order to preserve biodiversity, what effects must be avoided and what effects can be remediated/minimized, and why?""We came up with a set criteria that everyone, regardless of their business or profession, can use to make better decisions regarding biodiversity." Based on available data and datasets, we've made them as clear and concise as possible.If there are more permanent losses, the impact on indigenous biodiversity will continue to be devastating. These are the irreversible effects that cannot be quickly and fully reversed. These are the most severe and irreversible effects that affect remaining ecosystems and species habitats. This includes ecosystems that have been modified or are regenerating. Multiple small, local losses can lead to significant losses.The authors recommend that only a small number of habitats and ecosystems, which are often low-diversity, can be fully restored. This is because it is not possible to restore all of them.The authors also identified some possible reversible effects, including the replacement of individuals in some species' population under certain circumstances and the clearing of some young, non-indigenous ecosystems (25 years).Susan Walker, the lead author, says that "the draft NPS–IB proposed identifying significant nature areas which has many benefits but is likely to take a long time." These criteria are an important resource for anyone who wants to do right by nature, as indigenous biodiversity continues to decline. This will often be translated as "leave it alone."Learn more about Indigenous communities and the peoples who are key to achieving biodiversity goalsFurther information: Susan Walker and colleagues, New Zealand Journal of Ecology (2021). Susan Walker et. al. (2021). DOI: 10.20417/nzjecol.45.26This information was provided by Manaaki Ifua - Landcare Research
