Distributed-Conservation Futures

Mackenzie Basin Drylands Park

Distributed-Conservation Futures

The form of national parks are the legacy of 19th-century landscape concepts. As Geoff Park describes national parks tend to be perceived as places where culture stops and nature starts; culture is supressed, nature is ‘preserved’ as a terra nullius. In this examination of the Mackenzie Basin we explore ways conservation parks might be better integrated within places of recreation and production (and vice versa). The highly innovative and collaborative Mackenzie Agreement forms the inspiration for this project. In it we suggest alternative scenarios that uses seven distinct drivers to distribute across the region its environmental social cultural and economic potential.

SITE STORIES

Aotearoa New Zealand’s National Parks

The form of national parks are the legacy of 19th-century landscape concepts. As Geoff Park describes national parks tend to be perceived as places where culture stops and nature starts; culture is supressed, nature is ‘preserved’ as a terra nullius.

Mackenzie Basin Drylands Park

In this examination of the Mackenzie Basin we explore ways conservation parks might be better integrated within places of recreation and production (and vice versa). The highly innovative and collaborative Mackenzie Agreement forms the inspiration for this project. In it we suggest alternative scenarios that uses seven distinct drivers to distribute across the region its environmental social cultural and economic potential.

A Distributed Park

Conservation values can be protected by a range of stakeholders and a range of mechanisms. For example, covenants can foster collaboration between farmers and across boundaries. Public access opportunities targeted in areas where paths, riparian access and activity opportunities intersect.

Protecting and Connecting Along the Rivers and Lakes

Focusing on protection along and surrounding lakes and waterways to create opportunities for public access, to foster tourism, recreation and conservation activities.

Reducing Impacts

Identify opportunities for restoration projects to soften interfaces between irrigated farming and highways Select sites to implement restoration projects which ‘ring fence’ places with significant wilding
conifer impacts.

Canal Water Farming

Investigating intensive horticulture and aquaculture opportunities along the canal to boost yield from the basins’ valuable pure water, and better link visitors with iconic, memorable foodbased experiences.

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