New Zealand has been challenged to "step up" our marine protection, after the South Pacific country of Niue announced the creation of a large-scale marine protected area.
Once established, the new marine protected area will include 40 percent of its Exclusive Economic Zone and be the 28th largest in the world.
Niue will be one of only three nations that are fully protecting well over 30 percent of their ocean territories, which is what scientists recommend to keep oceans healthy and resilient to climate change.
Environmental groups WWF-New Zealand, Forest & Bird and The Pew Charitable Trusts are welcoming the announcement, and call on New Zealand to "step up to the plate on marine protection".
"There's a huge opportunity for New Zealand to keep this momentum going by establishing the Kermadec Rangitāhua Ocean Sanctuary now," says WWF-New Zealand CEO Livia Esterhazy.
"We Kiwis love our oceans, and we want to protect them. A Colmar Brunton poll earlier this year showed that 93 percent of New Zealanders want the Sanctuary established. The two mana whenua iwi, Ngāti Kuri and Te Aupōuri support the Sanctuary. Let's make it happen!"
"This is an inspiring move by Niue, and makes it even more embarrassing that New Zealand has only fully protected less than one percent of its ocean," says Forest & Bird CEO Kevin Hague.
"It is past time for New Zealand to step up to the plate on marine protection. Niue has promised to protect 40 percent of its ocean territory.
"By keeping the promise our government made two years ago to establish the Kermadec Rangitāhua Ocean Sanctuary, New Zealand could protect 15 percent of our ocean territory in one go."
Newshub.
