The condition of New Zealand’s waterways continues to be one of the major problem for the Oceanian’s nation. Last month, an important government report found that, between 2013 and 2017, about 82% of the length of the river in pastoral agricultural areas was not safe for swimming.
To tackle the problem the government will allocate a package of 229 million dollars to be used for sustainable soil remediation, protection and restoration of waterways and wetlands at risk and to teach farmers to cultivate the land sustainably and also involving the Maori. The figure is joined by another 25 million to support research aimed at reducing agricultural emissions.
David Parker, the Environment Minister said it was «the birth right of all New Zealanders to pop down to their local river in summer for a swim and put their head under without getting sick. (Pratically) today’s budget announcement turns the tide and offers support to farmers to reduce pollution getting into our waterways. We want to ensure – he adds – that farmers and growers have the tools and data they need to understand their impacts on the environment and make informed decisions».
Fish and Game chief executive Martin Taylor welcomed the funding. «Intensive agriculture – he supports – has been increasingly damaging our waterways for 20 years. And now taxpayers have to invest millions to help reverse this damage. Dairy leadership have a responsibility to work with the Government so it can deliver on stricter water quality rules to protect rivers, lakes and streams from pollution».
The minister for Research, Science and Innovation, Megan Woods said thar « Ultimately, this funding will help us achieve the Government’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It’s crucial that we invest in the research now to achieve long-term change».
Other expenses relate to the 107 million dollars aimed at meeting the obligations of the Paris Agreement, another 27 in favor of a new energy development center for clean and renewable energy sources, an additional 20 million for energy technology research and finally 4 million for the improvement of garbage recycling.
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