Many undervalue natural ecosystems compared to built infrastructure
A new report by Stats NZ and the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) underscored the crucial role of natural ecosystems and landscapes in safeguarding communities, economies, and public health in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Stats NZ and MfE’s triennial update on the state of the land, “Our land 2024,” emphasised the importance of natural infrastructure for the country’s well-being.
The value of natural infrastructure
The report compiled updated data and research findings, highlighting how land use impacts biodiversity, ecosystem services, and the economy.
Natasha Lewis (pictured above), MfE’s deputy secretary of strategy, stewardship, and performance, stressed the foundational role of ecosystems like soil, forests, and wetlands in underpinning the economy and public health.
“We appreciate the benefits that built infrastructure provides, but many of us don’t think of, or value, natural ecosystems and landscapes in the same way,” Lewis said.
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Economic impact and soil erosion
The report draws attention to the economic significance of soil, with New Zealand’s food and fibre sector generating more than $55.3 billion in export revenues in the year ended June.
“Soil is a strategic asset,” Lewis said. “A lot of our GDP is in the top 15 cm of the ground we walk on.”
However, threats such as soil erosion, pests, and climate change pose substantial risks to the sector, with Treasury estimating recovery costs from recent natural disasters could reach up to $1.1bn.
Urban expansion and loss of green spaces
The loss of fertile land to urban development and the pressure on urban green spaces are other concerns raised in the report. The encroachment on private and public green spaces due to urban densification and expansion poses significant challenges.
“The ways we use land are placing our natural infrastructure under pressure,” Lewis said. “Accounting for the full range of benefits that nature provides will help us to develop enduring solutions for the way we manage land.”
Key Insights from “Our land 2024”
The report includes several critical insights:
- Five per cent of New Zealand’s land is at risk of mass-movement erosion, with 60% located in the North Island.
- In 2022, an estimated 182 million tonnes of eroded soil entered the country’s rivers.
- Urban densification is likely to increase pressure on green spaces, while agricultural expansion threatens soil health and biodiversity.
- Climate change and pests pose growing threats to ecosystems and biodiversity, impacting the natural infrastructure's ability to provide essential services.
The state of our land
“Our land 2024” outlined the current challenges facing New Zealand’s land and natural infrastructure, from soil quality issues and the decrease in highly productive land to the vulnerability of indigenous forest and wetland ecosystems.
The report also warned of the potential economic and health impacts of degrading natural infrastructure, emphasising the need for sustainable land management practices to protect these critical assets.
For the complete report, visit the Stats NZ website.
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