Chapter 4 - Flora and Fauna and their Habitats 4.0 Flora and Fauna and their Habitats 4.1 Introduction Section 6(c) of the Resource Management Act 1991 requires that this Plan recognises and provides for …“the protection of ar eas of significant indig enous vegetation and significant habitats of indi genous fa una.” This acknowledges the contribution of native plants and animals to natural character and their importance in the functioning of natural ecosystems. Furthermore, particular regard should be given to the intrinsic value of ecosystems and protection of the habitat of trout and salmon (Sections 7(d) and 7(h) respectively). The New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement contains a number of policies that make it a national priority to preserve the natural character of the coastal environment. This includes protecting areas of significant indigenous vegetation and significant habitats of indigenous fauna in the coastal environment (Policy 1.1.2). The policy identifies the priorities to be afforded to different types of areas and habitats. For example, the potential or actual adverse effects of activities on habitats/ areas of species, which in a national context are vulnerable, are to be avoided. For other specified areas, the remedying of any actual or potential effects of activities on them is provided for. For the purposes of this part of the Plan ecosystems have been divided into land based (or terrestrial) and fresh water based ecosystems. However, because the coastal environment includes land above mean high water springs, the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement also has relevance in the consideration of land-based ecosystems. Coastal Marine ecosystems and those in the coastal environment are discussed in Chapter 9. 4.2 Terrestrial Ecosystems 4.2.1 Issue Degradation of indigenous flora and fauna and their habitats. The land ecosystems in the Wairau/ Awatere can be conveniently separated into upland and lowland ecosystems for the purposes of consideration. Land or terrestrial ecosystems include, soil, plant and animal organisms that live within these ecosystems. Each ecosystem provides a unique habitat for different plants and animals. Upland ecosystems For the purposes of this Plan, upland ecosystems are defined as those that are located at altitudes generally above 1000 m. Some of the most significant indigenous upland ecosystems in New Zealand are found in the hill country and on the crests of ranges. In Marlborough, upland ecosystems have significant natural values given the high natural diversity of plants and animals which exist within them. 4 - 1