NGĀI TAHU INTEGRATED FORESTRY AND CARBON CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES PROJECT
Nā Craig Pauling
In 2007, Toitū Te Whenua, the environmental unit of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu initiated a business project to understand the different approaches to afforestation, reforestation, and forestry, which may have the potential to benefit the tribe. The opportunities offered by carbon trading that exist under the Kyoto Protocol and the Emissions Trading Scheme were a key focus.
The initial study involved assessing the suitability of tribal properties for afforestation by undertaking a desktop Geographical Information System analysis looking at factors such as the total land area soils, rainfall and other physical aspects. This analysis identified four potentially suitable sites for afforestation, including Tukutuku Iwi, Oaro, Pakoau and Maranuku.
In 2009, a further study was undertaken at Oaro, in conjunction with Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura, to develop an afforestation management plan and understand the costs, benefits and tasks involved in developing a forest that met the goals of the rūnanga. Goals for the forest were established by the rūnanga at an initial hui to discuss the principles of integrated forestry and the opportunities under the Emissions Trading Scheme.
The major goals were to:
- Increase indigenous biodiversity, cultural landscapes and mahinga kai values,
- Control plant and animal pests,
- Control soil and stream-bank erosion,
- Increase indigenous aquatic biodiversity,
- Enhance riparian buffer vegetation,
- Produce exotic trees for harvesting and timber production,
- Provide traditional timbers for cultural purposes, and provide opportunities for carbon sequestration and obtaining carbon credits.
After two site visits, a draft afforestation management plan was created that identified a mix of both exotic and native tree species could be grown to meet the above objectives. This involves the planting of areas in red alder, eucalyptus, tree lucerne and mixed indigenous species and the transition of exotic species to native forest as the exotics are harvested, relying on both strategic planting and natural regeneration by native birds.
A 50-year cost plan was produced that outlined the expected annual and total costs for establishing and managing the forest. At the end of 50 years, it is projected that the 16.34 hectare mixed forest would be capable of producing approximately $200,000 profit as well as resulting in a mixed exotic/native forest remaining for ongoing use.
In terms of carbon credits, any earnings would be on top of this base revenue and weren't considered due to the uncertainty around the ETS at the time. Carbon has the potential to make the proposal even more beneficial, but the planning focussed on realising the goals of the local rūnanga. In 2010, a test planting programme is being planned to help understand and clarify growth rates of the selected tree species as well as the issues of planting and maintenance, including animal pest issues and allowing strategic grazing at the site.
Through The Trees
Roger Pikia
Aikman Report And Ngāi Tahu Response
Ngāi Tahu Integrated Forestry And Carbon Credit Opportunities Project
Inside Issue 45
SEARCH FOR CALM WATERS
THROUGH THE TREES
MEETING TŪTOKO
ULVA'S ISLAND
ARM STRONG
COUNTRY EXPEDITION
HAVE YIKE, WILL TRAVEL
- Keri Hulme
- Toi Iho
- Hei Mahi Māra / Gardening
- He Whakaaro /
Tom Bennion - Ngā Take Pūtea /
Whānau Finances - Kai / Recipes
- Te Aitaka A Tāne
- Te Ao Te Māori
- Reviews
- He Tangata
- Letters
Issue #45 Published Dec 2009
© Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu
