A biodiversity credit system could be beneficial for farmers who have unused land that could be used for native regeneration, but experts are wary of repeating past mistakes.
The government is currently exploring whether a biodiversity credit system [BCS] could be implemented to incentivise the protection and restoration of native flora and fauna.
The scheme is currently under consultation and was discussed at this week’s Greater Wellington Regional Council [GWRC] Wairarapa committee meeting.
GWRC has sought feedback across the organisation and Farmers Reference Group to understand what a potential BCS design would involve and what impact it would have on the region, in order to make a submission.
Although generally supportive of the idea, GWRC also acknowledged that the “risks and potential for perverse outcomes are significant”, with a council representative citing administrative burdens for participants and extra challenges in quantifying biodiversity.
It was noted that to prevent ‘greenwashing’, an effective scheme would have transparent and verifiable claims that investors could make regarding their environmental impact.
There was a strong consensus that any BCS should not be used for offsetting purposes, something Carterton Mayor Ron Mark noted as sensible.
“We know the carbon trading scheme is flawed. This could be controversial, and it’s good to see comments in there addressing adverse outcomes,” Mark said.
“It would need to address the potential of another carbon trading scheme, which allows polluters to continue off its back. Because that’s the concern.”
Mark also reflected on the positive impact a BSC could have on rural landowners.
“As a farmer who has a lot of dead country you could pick up some credits on, it’s a wonderful prospect,” Mark said.
“Or for a lifestyle block holder, this scheme opens a bunch of different doors.”
Talking to the Times-Age later, Mark noted the difficulty in quantifying biodiversity.
“It’s tricky talking about biodiversity more broadly. Like with factoring in birds, I have 30 kereru who hang out at my house,” Mark said.
“Would I claim credits for that?”
Rangitāne ō Wairarapa representative Amber Craig said a change in tack with incentivising people is worth considering.
“We should be recognising the right thing to do,” Craig said.
“Not everything should be about the dollar that we get back, as a society we’re losing the plot a little. It’s making life so complicated.”
Consultation with the Ministry for the Environment on a potential BCS closes on Friday this week.
