The New Zealand cabinet has agreed to explore public-private partnerships to plant trees on crown land, supporting the country’s climate-change targets and creating more jobs.
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts said nature-based solutions are a key part of government’s climate strategy, and represent a significant step forward in achieving Net Zero by 2050.
“New Zealand is well positioned to leverage its natural assets to drive progress in both climate action and economic growth. Partnerships to plant native and exotic trees on Crown-owned land represent a cost-effective approach to reducing net emissions while also delivering tangible benefits to local communities,” he said.
“These partnerships would drive economic growth by creating more forestry jobs in our regions, provide more wood for domestic processing and, over time, boost the value of exports,” offered Forestry Minister Todd McClay.
The New Zealand Government has released a request for information which will guide government’s understanding of what land may be suitable to offer for partnership.
The RFI, and more information, can be found on the Ministry for Primary Industry’s website.