Biodiversity, who cares?: the role of landcare groups in biodiversity conservation: constraints and opportunities

Abstract

This thesis investigates how community-based landcare groups may contribute to the management of biodiversity. In New Zealand, biodiversity loss and decline has been identified as the most pervasive environmental problem. Using a qualitative research approach, selected landcare group members and government staff were asked to comment on what they perceive as the major constraints to and future opportunities for biodiversity management on agricultural land. The provision of training and locally relevant information, improved feedback on the groups' work, increased opportunities for networking, assistance to groups in accessing funds and materials were identified as potential support mechanisms. Despite enabling resource management statutes and opportunities for public participation, financial and practical support remains limited, information is not always accessible in a meaningful and locally relevant way and provisions of management may not always be available. Policy recommendations and a model for action planning for biodiversity conservation were developed on the basis of the research findings.