To solve the dual problems of biodiversity loss and climate change, we first need to recognise an incontrovertible scientific fact: Earth provided us with a complex interlinked life support system where natural ecosystems played a pivotal role in regulating the climate. And it came free of charge. Recognizing environmental limits is underpinned by the science and an understanding of planetary boundaries. This is also at the heart of te ao Māori underpinned by mātauranga Māori.
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” – Albert Einstein
No amount of technology or money can replace the life-supporting role of natural ecosystems. So let’s think differently. Let’s all become kaitiaki, guardians who protect what remains and replenish what we took, restoring te mana o te taiao, the power of the natural world.
We know this will work because our life-support system worked perfectly well before we broke it.
The New Zealand National Adaptation Plan places emphasis on the importance of nature-based solutions. However, it’s not going to come into effect for several years. Like COP15 (Dec 2022) it’s a plan for a plan. Scroll down to the pages in this section to find out more about nature-based solutions and how Cantabrians are implementing them.
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