Hon
David Parker - 18/12/2006 - A significant forestry-planting
programme involving thousands of hectares is one
of the options being put forward to reduce New
Zealand's carbon footprint.
The Government is asking for
consultation on proposals for agriculture and
forestry, in its comprehensive approach to tackling
the threat of climate change.
The Minister for Agriculture
and Forestry, Jim Anderton, and Climate Change
Minister David Parker today released the discussion
document Sustainable Land Management and Climate
Change, which outlines policy options to address
the risks and opportunities of climate change
in the land management sectors.
Mr Anderton says climate change
has huge implications for the country and, in
particular, for farmers and foresters, who make
up the land management sectors.
"Our economy depends on
agriculture and forestry. These sectors will bear
the brunt of the economic and environmental impacts
of climate change. Action needs to be taken on
a number of fronts to address these issues and
support economic growth.
"Climate change presents
a very real threat not only to the way we use
our land, but to our international markets. Already
there is talk in Europe of border taxes on goods
from countries that aren't taking effective action
to address climate change. It's in our economic
interest to be part of the global response to
climate change. We need to take action to reduce
the risks."
Climate Change Minister David
Parker says that over time, all sectors of the
economy would have to play their part in doing
something about climate change. "We recognise
that some sectors can take action more quickly
to reduce emissions than others. But even those
like farming, which are constrained by what they
can do without affecting productivity, will be
expected to take some actions to reduce emissions
- starting now."
"We have been consulting
with the land management sector and they are well
aware of the broad range of possibilities available
to us. We're putting all the options on the table
through this discussion paper, and it's now a
matter of getting further feedback, to create
a package which achieves the best results for
our economy and for climate change."
The discussion document identifies
four key areas where options are presented for
consultation: adapting to climate change; reducing
emissions and creating carbon sinks; capitalising
on business opportunities; and working together.
Some specific options are presented
for feedback, especially in the area of reducing
emissions, Mr Parker said. "In that area,
some hard choices have to be made, and we are
looking for specific guidance from farmers and
foresters as to how to achieve tangible reductions
in greenhouse gas emissions, while ensuring these
vital sectors continue to thrive."
"For example, we are proposing
an afforestation grant, to encourage the planting
of Kyoto-compliant forests.
"Not only would this enhance
our carbon sinks, it would give a boost to the
forestry sector, and provide major co-benefits
in relation to erosion control, flood protection,
improved water quality and biodiversity.
"We are looking at a tradeable
permits scheme to combat deforestation, and considering
the devolution of carbon credits for new forests.
"In agriculture, we have
a 'carrot and stick' approach - where we propose
helping farmers do what they can to reduce emissions,
through incentives and penalties.
"Nitrification inhibitors
have been successfully developed by New Zealand
researchers, and are now available for widespread
use. We have set out proposals to encourage their
uptake, which will both reduce nitrous oxide emissions
and improve water quality while maintaining farm
productivity.
"The proposed plan of action
is also looking to make the most of business opportunities
arising from the global focus on climate change."
The Government is proposing
that the sectors and Government work together
to develop a Plan of Action identifying goals
and activities for dealing with climate change
issues.
No decisions have yet been made
on the final policy. The policy package will be
discussed with the sector before decisions are
taken next year.
Meetings and hui on the Sustainable
Land Management and Climate Change discussion
document will be held around the country in February
and March next year. Submissions are due by 30
March 2007.
The discussion document is available
online at www.maf.govt.nz/climatechange
Paper copies can be requested from the Ministry
of Agriculture and Forestry.
