4. Use of Natural and Physical Resources Volume One vulnerability to environmental change. The loss of access to natural resources or a reduction in the quality of the resources would have a significant impact on the primary sector. The implications would be felt far beyond the farm gate or vineyard, as Marlborough’s townships act as service centres to rural land uses and the marine farming industry. Many businesses in Blenheim and other townships are sustained, either directly or indirectly, by the primary sector. Natural resources are also important to the social and economic wellbeing of the remainder of the community. The Marlborough Sounds, Richmond Range, the dry Southern Hills and interior and the east coast all provide refuge habitat for indigenous flora and fauna, sustaining most of Marlborough’s remaining terrestrial, aquatic and marine biodiversity. These same environments provide us with important recreational opportunities to experience the outdoors. The intrinsic and amenity value of our environment attracts visitors to the district, sustaining a significant tourism industry. Any reduction in the quality of the environment will have the potential to adversely affect the tourism industry. The value of the conservation estate, which makes up 45 percent of Marlborough’s land area, should not be underestimated. For example, the use of the Queen Charlotte Track, part of which occurs in the conservation estate, adds approximately $10 million to the Marlborough economy annually. There are other ecosystem services provided by the conservation estate that, although not quantified in a monetary sense, contribute to social wellbeing, such as reducing flood risk, sustaining whitebait catches and other fish and game. [RPS] Objective 4.1 – Marlborough’s primary production sector and tourism sector continue to be successful and thrive whilst ensuring the sustainability of natural resources. The Marlborough economy has historically been based on its primary industries and the processing of product from these industries. Agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, forestry and fishing continue to contribute significantly to our economy and therefore our economic wellbeing. For this reason, it is important that the primary sector, as well as related servicing and processing industries, continue to thrive. A number of factors determine the viability and prosperity of the primary sector. Significant factors include market conditions and the exchange rate. These determine the demand for, and price of, the finished product. However, the Council also plays an important role in this context by allocating public resources, removing unnecessary barriers to resource use and enabling appropriate adaptation to climate change. Primary industries rely on access to and the use of natural resources. Agriculture, horticulture, viticulture and forestry are all influenced by the availability of land and, to various extents, the characteristics and quality of the soil resource. Given Marlborough’s dry climate, reliable supplies of freshwater for irrigation provide land use options for rural resource users. Freshwater is also used for the processing of crops. Our economic wellbeing therefore depends on the ability to continue to access and utilise natural resources in the Marlborough environment. However, the ability to use these resources does come with responsibilities. These responsibilities are reflected in policies elsewhere in the MEP. Our natural environment is a significant attraction for domestic and international tourists and contributes significantly to the Marlborough economy. The development of a successful tourism sector in Marlborough has diversified the local economy and created greater resilience to changes in market conditions. It is therefore important that the tourism sector continues to be successful. The Council can play a role in this by striving to maintain and enhance the quality of our environment. 4 – 2