Chapter 2 - Natural Character indigenous vegetation, distinctive biota, communities and habitats, and potential for restoration. This information describes the distinctiveness of the natural character within each natural character area. Appendix Two of this volume of the Plan contains detailed description of: • Overall natural character of the Marlborough Sounds across terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments; and • Natural character of the following constituent natural character areas: (i) Land: D’Urville, Bryant, Cook Strait; Bulwer; Arapawa; Portage; Stokes; Nydia; Pelorus; Kaituna; Robertson; and (ii) Coastal/ marine: Eastern Cook Strait and Outer Queen Charlotte; D’Urville Island - Northern Cook Strait; Port Underwood; Tasman Bay - Admiralty Bay; Middle Pelorus Sound; Inner Pelorus Sound; Tory Channel; and Queen Charlotte Sound. Guidelines to interpretation and definitions of relevant terms are also contained in Appendix Two. This natural character information is a relevant tool for management in helping to identify and protect those values that contribute to people’s experience of the Sounds area. Preserving natural character in the Marlborough Sounds as a whole depends both on the overall pattern of use, development and protection, as well as maintaining the natural character of particular areas. The Plan therefore recognises that preservation of the natural character of the constituent natural character areas is important in achieving preservation of the natural character of the Marlborough Sounds as a whole. The Plan requires that plan change and resource consent applications be assessed with regard to the natural character of the Sounds as a whole as well as each natural character area, or areas where appropriate. This method is further explained in the following methods of implementation and provided for in the zone rules. 2.2 Objectives and Policies Objective 1 The preservation of the natural character of the coastal environment, wetlands, lakes and rivers and their margins and the protection of them from inappropriate subdivision, use and development. Policy 1.1 Avoid the adverse effects of subdivision, use or development within those areas of the coastal environment and fresh- water bodies which are predominantly in their natural state and have natural character which has not been compromised. Policy 1.2 Appropriate use and development will be encouraged in areas where the natural character of the coastal environment has already been compromised, and where the adverse effects of such activities can be avoided, remedied or mitigated. 2 - 3