New Zealand Pushes to Retain its Eco-Friendly Destination Reputation

In 2007, New Zealand received over 1 million tourists in search of unotuched natural scenery made famous by films like the Lord of the Rings trilogy. However, officials fear that this lush image is in serious decline.
Recent studies by New Zealand’s Environmental Ministry show that New Zealand’s pristine, eco-reputation is seriously hurting; since 1998, the [...]

In 2007, New Zealand received over 1 million tourists in search of unotuched natural scenery made famous by films like the Lord of the Rings trilogy. However, officials fear that this lush image is in serious decline.

Recent studies by New Zealand’s Environmental Ministry show that New Zealand’s pristine, eco-reputation is seriously hurting; since 1998, the small nation’s energy and resources consumption has increased by 39%. This increase threatens to bring upon rising greenhouse gas emissions and a decrease in water quality; issues the Ministry will be forced to take measures against in order to preserve their “green” image.

Over the years, the islands have been primarily protected due to geographical isolation. “Together we have made significant improvements in some areas. But, there are areas where we need to do other things better, to protect our clean green reputation,” said Environment Minister Trevor Mallard as he introduced the Ministry’s findings.

New Zealand’s majestic landscapes helped attract 1 million visitors to the country of four million in 2006, as cited by over 90% of tourists to the region. But the 450-page Environment New Zealand 2007 report found that residents’ lifestyle changes over the last decade are impacting air, water and land quality as well as plants, birds and animals, all while putting biodiversity and the country’s clean green reputation at risk.

“Our environment is in peril. If we don’t act fast our ‘clean green’ reputation will be revealed as a farce, and our economy will suffer as a result,” said Greenpeace campaign manager Carmen Gravatt.

Greenpeace is requesting that farmers be included in emissions trading schemes aimed at combating climate change, due to the rise of industrial, large-scale dairy farming having a “major impact” on the environment. Exports of land- and sea-based primary goods such as wool, food crops, wood, wine, and natural cosmetic products are the country’s top foreign exchange earners alongside tourism.

Environment Minister Mallard is certain that New Zealand could enhance its environment credentials and remain internationally competitive, despite the challenges.