Why Coastal Restoration?

Because it’s worth it! Protecting New Zealand's coastlines is essential to preserve biodiversity, cultural heritage, tourism, coastal resilience, fisheries, and water quality. It involves responsible coastal management practices, including conservation efforts, sustainable development, and community engagement, to ensure the long-term well-being of both the natural environment and the people who depend on it.

Biodiversity and Ecosystems: New Zealand's coastal areas are home to diverse ecosystems, including sandy beaches, rocky shores, dunes, estuaries, and wetlands. These ecosystems support a wide range of plant and animal species, including many unique and endemic species. Protecting the coastlines helps maintain the biodiversity and ecological balance of these habitats.

Natural Heritage: The coastlines of New Zealand hold significant cultural and natural heritage value. Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, have deep cultural connections to the land and sea. Many coastal areas have cultural and historical sites, such as burial grounds and traditional fishing grounds, which are important for Māori communities. Preserving these areas helps safeguard cultural heritage and respect indigenous rights.

Tourism and Recreation: New Zealand's stunning coastal landscapes attract millions of tourists each year. Visitors come to enjoy activities such as swimming, surfing, boating, diving, and wildlife spotting. Coastal tourism contributes significantly to the economy and provides employment opportunities. Protecting the coastlines ensures the sustainability of these activities and the long-term viability of the tourism industry.

Coastal Protection and Climate Change: Coastal areas act as a buffer against storms, erosion, and rising sea levels. They help protect inland areas from the impacts of severe weather events. As climate change intensifies, coastal protection becomes even more crucial. Preserving natural features like sand dunes, salt marshes, and mangroves can help reduce the vulnerability of coastal communities to erosion and flooding.

Fisheries and Marine Resources: New Zealand's coastal waters support valuable fisheries and marine resources. Many commercially important fish species rely on nearshore habitats for breeding, nursery areas, and feeding grounds. Protecting the coastlines helps maintain healthy fish populations and ensures sustainable fisheries for future generations.

Water Quality and Pollution Prevention: Coastal ecosystems play a vital role in filtering and purifying water. They help trap sediments, absorb nutrients, and remove pollutants before they reach the sea. Protecting the coastlines helps maintain water quality and prevent pollution from negatively impacting marine ecosystems and human health.

"Mahia te mea tika mō te whenua me ō tātou iwi."