Volume One 8. Indigenous Biodiversity The exception for wetlands reflects that these significant sites will be subject to a regulatory regime. This helps give effect to the NPSFM, where for both water quality and quantity purposes the significant values of wetlands are to be protected (Objective A2(b) and Objective B4). This approach also assists in recognising and providing for the preservation of natural character of wetlands as required by Section 6(a) of the RMA. Policy 8.2.3 – Priority will be given to the protection, maintenance and restoration of habitats, ecosystems and areas that have significant indigenous biodiversity values, particularly those that are legally protected. Those ecosystems, habitats and areas assessed as having significant indigenous biodiversity value are to be given priority in terms of their protection, maintenance and restoration. This policy recognises that a targeted approach to indigenous biodiversity is appropriate given that resources to assist landowners are limited. If the Council has to make decisions about which sites should be supported financially for protection works, those sites that have been legally protected through mechanisms such as covenants will be prioritised for funding support. This policy also gives recognition to central government’s ‘statement of national priorities’ for protecting rare and threatened indigenous biodiversity on private land as set out in Objective 8.1. These priorities will potentially have a significant influence on the Council’s future policy and programmes. A significant area of lowland Marlborough (i.e. the Wairau and Awatere Plains) and coastal south Marlborough will fall under Priority 1. A number of specific areas will fall into Priorities 2 and 3, for example wetlands, the stony beach ridges at Rarangi and the coastal limestone cliffs. In terms of Priority 4 habitats, in Marlborough bird species such as the New Zealand falcon, weka and rifleman and plant species such as pīngao, Muehlenbeckia astonii and native broom species are either acutely or chronically threatened. Policy 8.2.4 – Priority will be given to the re-establishment of indigenous biodiversity in Marlborough’s lowland environmen ts. In Marlborough’s lowland environments (the Wairau and Awatere Plains) some ecosystem types are extremely depleted and have been fragmented over time. In these areas fully functioning ecosystems are not common as many native bush birds and insects are present in low numbers (for instance, very few tui can be found in south Marlborough). Lack of habitat caused by lack of fauna prevents natural functions such as seed dispersal and pollination, meaning that without active intervention by humans, some sites are, or will become unviable in the long term. Although there are challenges in natural regeneration and assisted revegetation, it is important that efforts are made to re-establish indigenous biodiversity in these areas, particularly as there is little public conservation land in south Marlborough. This policy will also help to address central government’s national priorities for protecting indigenous vegetation on private land. Policy 8.2.5 – Encourage the legal protection of sites with significant indigenous biodiversity value through covenanting. An important aspect of covenanting is that it is voluntary. To assist with the implementation of Policy 8.2.2, the Council will actively work with landowners to register covenants over sites with significant indigenous biodiversity value, resulting in important sites being protected in perpetuity. Covenants, such as those available under the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust, mean that land ownership and management of land remains with the landowner, but ongoing advice and support can be received for the site covenanted. Policy 8.2.6 – Where areas of significant indigenous biodiversity value are known to exist in riparian margins of rivers, lakes or in the margins of a significant wetland, consideration will be given to acquiring or setting aside these areas to help protect their values. Land along the margins of rivers, lakes and significant wetlands may have significant natural value and serve as important habitats. There is strong emphasis given to the enhancement of these areas under Section 6 of the RMA. Esplanade reserves or esplanade strips can be taken for the purposes set out in Section 229 of the RMA, including where this will contribute to the protection of conservation values. The reason for this policy therefore is to signal that where areas of significant indigenous biodiversity value occur in riparian margins, then land may be 8 – 7