Land use in indigenous forests: a trans-Tasman perspective

Summary

Recent pressures for the preservation of indigenous forests in both New Zealand and Australia are discussed. It is argued that environmental controversy is based on land-use conflict and a plea is made for the integration of land-use planning with natural resource development and environmental management.

A case is made for the multiple use of forested land, including indigenous forest, to meet multiple planning objectives. Attention is drawn to the special need for the management of forested catchments for water yield, which will become increasingly important in Australia and New Zealand. It is maintained that indigenous forest must be professionally managed, whether or not it is used for commercial timber production. The case for the integration of conservation with development, which has been a central theme of both the Australian and New Zealand National Conservation Strategy proposals, is strongly urged.