A Day For Local Biodiversity

Victor Anton recently participated in the Taranaki Biodiversity Forum, organised by Wild For Taranaki. Here are Victor’s firsthand insights from this unique event that brought together passionate individuals and organizations, all united by a common goal: protecting Taranaki’s unique biodiversity.

Picture 1. Wild for Taranaki’s promotional sign welcoming attendees to “take action for biodiversity”.

The morning session kicked off with a fast-paced networking session, where I reconnected with familiar faces and forged new connections within the conservation community. Following morning kai (food) and kawhe (coffee), we were treated to insightful presentations from the Taranaki Mounga Project and Parininihi ki Waitotara teams. Their presentations focused on the innovative ways they are successfully integrating mātauranga Māori (traditional Māori knowledge) with Western scientific approaches. They were powerful reminders that true conservation success lies in working together, learning from each other, and respecting the connections between people and their environment.

Pictures 2, 3. Tane Houston (Taranaki Mounga Project) and Puna Wano-Bryant (Parininihi ki Waitotara) share their mahi (work).

The middle of the day featured interactive workshops focusing on The WAI Connection project‘s latest developments and practical training on iNaturalist usage and best practices. In both workshops, discussions varied from securing funding, community engagement, data sharing and fostering an atmosphere of collaborative problem-solving.

A dynamic Rapid Fire Session followed, featuring ten speakers (Wildlife.ai included) who shared updates on regional conservation initiatives. Of particular interest was the presentation by 800 Trust, highlighting their groundbreaking work in audio acoustics.

Picture 3. Victor Anton sharing updates with the attendees.

The forum concluded with an enlightening keynote address by Dr. Neil De Wet, who explored the crucial relationship between biodiversity and public health outcomes. His presentation reminded us that a thriving ecosystem is the foundation for a healthy society.

The forum left me energised and inspired. Despite the challenges ahead, the Taranaki conservation community’s dedication and teamwork give me hope for the future. Together, we can create a thriving ecosystem for generations to come.

Kia kaha, kia whai whakahihi i ō mahi!
(Stay strong and be proud of your work!)