The beauty of nature should not be taken for granted as it is rapidly disappearing. Deforestation, animal extinction, and climate change threaten the natural environment daily. It is essential to look after our natural environment so future generations can enjoy nature the same way we do today. If we don’t put in the effort to protect our environment now, it will be too late tomorrow.
Auckland’s natural environment is the central focus of ecological work in Auckland and New Zealand. To protect Auckland’s natural environment, we need to support the sustainable management of natural ecosystems and biodiversity, prevent degradation of those qualities that provide ecosystem services, and prepare visible evidence of our effects on the landscape.
Auckland is part of the Southern Hemisphere’s subtropical/temperate climate zone. To ensure that we can protect our natural environment, we must pay particular attention to how we manage our wetlands. They are significant contributors to biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services such as filtering polluted water, supporting wildlife and regulating stream flow.
1. The Cultural Heritage
The natural environment is part of Auckland’s shared cultural heritage. It is worth protecting because it represents the Maoris, who were original settlers. Heritage is mainly characterized by natural, biological, and physical elements. For example, Auckland’s built heritage is an essential connection for some Aucklanders to their Maori heritage.
It is one of the countryman’s sources of food and materials and has been a necessary factor in generating wealth since early European settlement. Agriculture and pastoralism are also part of the rural heritage in New Zealand, which represents the Maoris, who were original settlers. Most areas of ecological or biodiversity value have also been important for Maori.
2. The Ecosystem Services
Auckland’s natural environment is a critical component of the ecosystem services in Auckland and New Zealand. These services are necessary for people to live and do business, but they do not have any direct monetary value. For example, a healthy, clean and productive environment does not have an immediate economic value, but it is vital for people. Healthy and productive ecosystems create an economy that provides jobs, a safe food supply, and clean water.
The natural environment is worth protecting because it is beautiful. It allows the people in Auckland to relax and enjoy something natural for just a tiny amount of time every day. It’s also great for catching up with friends, family, and children when having walks or picnics in nature reserves.
3. Conservation of Habitat
A significant ecological work in Auckland is the protection of habitats. Habitats are places that support particular species and ecosystems, which are linked to the climate and soils of a specific location. Habitat plays a critical role in sustaining biodiversity, influencing ecosystem function, and providing essential environmental services that human societies rely on.
There is a vital link between the homelands of indigenous people and the natural environment, particularly for as much as 40 percent of New Zealand’s native flora and fauna.
4. Water Conservation
Auckland has a purposeful water conservation plan which includes protecting surface and ground water reserves and actively managing its water resources. Water conservation is managing water from end to end to ensure its sustainable use in all areas of human activity, from power generation to recreation.
It is also vital to protect our water catchments by ensuring we have adequate sources in the future. The Water Conservation Plan for Auckland states, “Auckland’s freshwater resources are limited, and our demand for them is growing as Auckland becomes more populated and resource-intensive. Protecting our supply from degradation will require constant vigilance and active management of our freshwater resources”.
5. Demand and Supply – Consumer Needs
Auckland is a significant exporter of biotechnology products. It produces about 40 percent of New Zealand’s milk and meat and has a thriving biotechnology sector. The Auckland area makes almost all of the country’s wood pulp and is an essential producer of fruit, vegetables, flowers, and seafood.
The Auckland region has a relatively large and diverse resource base. Its natural resources include wide open spaces, water, minerals, and soils. Auckland’s primary industries are tourism, horticulture, and food processing. Food processing is a booming industry in the city – accounting for around 100 million dollars annually. This is because many markets in New Zealand provide a solid foundation to build.
The natural environment is not only the central focus of ecological work in Auckland and New Zealand but also the heritage that we are left with by our ancestors. It is worth protecting because it gives us life, provides a satisfying experience, and makes our lives more enjoyable.