Why it matters
For too long, nature has been treated as a raw input for economic growth, or a dumping ground for waste. As a result, nature has reached breaking point. There are 4000 species facing extinction, important habitats still being destroyed, and a climate in crisis.
Once in a lifetime chance
The Government is making decisions right now that will affect how we live and how nature is protected for years to come.
Now is the time to build a sustainable economy that cares for what matters most to New Zealanders: our people, and our incredible natural world.
We need nature. Our economy, our health, our way of life depends on a healthy environment. Right now, nature needs us to make a change for the better.
Polluting industries are pushing for environmental protections to be delayed or abandoned. But we can't repeat the mistakes of the past.
As we set out to rebuild the economy after the devastating impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic, we have an opportunity to move beyond the outdated thinking that stands in the way of fair solutions for the economy, for people, and for the environment.
What Forest & Bird is doing
Forest & Bird is calling for an economic recovery that sustains and restores both people and the environment.
- We’ve written to the Prime Minister asking that COVID-19 recovery spending is used to transform energy, transport, and agriculture in New Zealand. We should improve water quality, control pest species, and undertake large scale restoration of natural habitats.
- We've also written to the Minister of Fisheries Stuart Nash urging him to make the changes we need to see a fishing industry that's truly sustainable in the long term.
- Our report, Recovery for People and Planet, outlines the immediate job opportunities for New Zealand in cleaning up and caring for nature.
What can you do
- Donate to defend nature. As the world battles Covid-19, protecting the things that are essential to our health and wellbeing like a safe climate, clean water, and healthy ecosystems have never been more important. We need nature and nature needs us.
- Volunteer to defend nature. Volunteers are the driving force behind many of our local and regional campaigns.
- Subscribe to defend nature. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on how we're fighting for a sustainable economy.
