Reclaiming Conservation: Dissolving the dichotomy of forest management in New Zealand through standards development

Conservation is defined as the management of natural resources in a way that is positive, embracing preservation, maintenance, sustainable utilisation, restoration and enhancement of the natural environment. This broader concept of conservation will only be realised if applied at all levels of social organisation and at all scales across the landscape – real conservation cannot be achieved in spatial, temporal, or societal isolation as typified by the current broadbrush dichotomy of exploitation and preservation. Effective conservation management requires a sound, stable statutory and policy framework, knowledge of the systems under management, on-going research and integration of new knowledge, commitment of adequate resources, appropriate and timely actions, community participation as well as public and consumer support. Central and local government agencies, forest owners and managers responsible for stewardship of forests on public and private lands together with nongovernmental organisations and other stakeholders are beginning to respond to this new paradigm. It has been recognised and acted upon by the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in setting and adopting standards for its administrative responsibility under Part IIIA of the Forests Act 1949. A parallel, and complementary, process is developing national standards for forest management in New Zealand under the Forest Stewardship Council system. If the conservation of indigenous biodiversity is to be achieved in a production forest setting which provides for the sustainable production of both exotic and indigenous timbers then we must have systems to develop policy and direct management and monitoring. The ongoing development and use of well defined management standards which are based on research and supported by stakeholders, coupled with best management practices, are key components in a conservation strategy with meaning and purpose. Certification calls for a commitment to management at the landscape level, a re-integration of forestry within its broader ecological and cultural context. In meeting this challenge forestry will play a more vital role in conservation.