Science making a difference
Science plays an important role in environmental policy and decision-making.
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Wild
asparagus, Waitakere. One of many plants that have escaped from
Auckland home gardens to become a troublesome weed. Much of Manaaki Whenua’s research underpins the development of public policies and management systems for a truly clean, green and sustainable New Zealand. Science requirements are defined by agencies such as Ministry for the Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, the Animal Health Board, Department of Conservation, and local government. We continue to work closely with these agencies.
About 60% of our research is on biodiversity, ecosystem processes, pest management and biosecurity, which is supporting Government priorities in these areas. Progress continued in the greenhouse gases and carbon sinks area, and similarly in rural land use despite a drop in funding. Work on urban environments, business and communities increased by over 15% to more than four million dollars. Our science aligns with, and contributes to, 12 national strategies.
In the next pages, we present brief examples of progress and key achievements during the year, and also highlight, in more depth, examples where our research contributes to best practice, enhances the use of technology, leads international science thinking, and contributes to best practice. In later sections, we focus on how working with others and developing our intellectual property helps us towards our mission — science making a difference for a truly clean, green and sustainable New Zealand.
In addition to science supporting Government policies and priorities, we have a responsibility to alert Government to new issues that are not yet apparent in New Zealand but which could present problems in years to come. Researchers, through their understanding of ecosystem processes and international science links, are usually the first to identify these ‘beacon’ issues.
One such issue is nitrogen saturation of soils. In our 2003 Annual Report, we raised this as a potential environmental concern for New Zealand in the future. We are continuing our research into the significance of this issue, and at the same time, continuing efforts to raise understanding of the potential problem through publications and discussions with policy makers. Another significant ‘beacon’ issue that we are working on is New Zealand’s weed time-bomb — the escalating number of garden plants that are rapidly becoming weeds.
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Dr David Penman
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Research Manager Phone: (03) 325 6700 |
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