8. Indigenous Biodiversity Volume One Policy 8.2.13 – When re-establishment or restoration of indigenous vegetation and habitat is undertaken, preference should be given to the use of native species of local genetic stock. Plants within the same species can adapt to local conditions to become genetically separate (and sometimes physically distinctive). Local plants are therefore well adapted and are best used for propagation, as they provide the best chance of survival and good growth within the District. These plants also protect genetic diversity within local populations and prevent the character of local ecosystems from being swamped by imported varieties from other areas. Therefore, where feasible, seed should be collected from within a catchment or ecological district as close as possible to the specific site of a planting project. Managing effects of subdivision, use and development on indigenous biodiversity Policy 8.3.1 – Manage the effects of subdivision, use or development in the coastal environment by: (a) avoiding adverse effects where the areas, habitats or ecosystems are those set out in Policy 11(a) of the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010; (b) avoiding adverse effects where the areas, habitats or ecosystems are mapped as significant wetlands or ecologically significant marine sites in the Marlborough Environment Plan; or (c) avoiding significant adverse effects and avoiding, remedying or mitigating other adverse effects where the areas, habitats or ecosystems are those set out in Policy 11(b) of the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010 or are not identified as significant in terms of Policy 8.1.1 of the Marlborough Environment Plan. Policy 11 of the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010 (NZCPS) defines a range of priorities so that indigenous biodiversity in the coastal environment is protected. Policy 8.3.1 of the MEP reflects the priority approach of the NZCPS to subdivision, use and development activities within the coastal environment. Policy 8.3.2 – Where subdivision, use or development requires resource consent, the adverse effects on areas, habitats or ecosystems with indigenous biodiversity value shall be: (a) avoided where it is a significant site in the context of Policy 8.1.1; and (b) avoided, remedied or mitigated where indigenous biodiversity values have not been assessed as being significant in terms of Policy 8.1.1. This policy sets up a hierarchy for decision makers to use when assessing the effects of subdivision, use or development activities on areas, habitats or ecosystems with indigenous biodiversity value. For those sites identified as being significant in terms of Policy 8.1.1, it is important that adverse effects are avoided. This recognises that there are few significant sites remaining on private land, especially in southern Marlborough. Where sites have not been identified as significant through Policy 8.1.1, decision makers can also consider remediation or mitigation options to address adverse effects. Policy 8.3.3 – Control vegetation clearance activities to retain ecosystems, habitats and areas with indigenous biodiversity value. Although the Council has adopted an approach of voluntary partnerships with private landowners to identify and protect areas of significant indigenous biodiversity, it is important there is a “backstop” measure in place to control activities that involve the removal of indigenous vegetation. The difference in approach recognises that rules in themselves will not improve the overall condition of significant natural areas; only by working with landowners can that occur. However, control through both permitted activity rules (with conditions) and discretionary activity rules for 8 – 10