Biosecurity is..."the exclsion, eradication or effective management of risks posed by pests and diseases to the economy, environmental and human health".
Two important bio-security outcomes have been identified in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests ("MAF") Statement of Intent namely:
- Protection of Maori biologically-based economic resources from pets and diseases; and
- Protection of Maori biologically-based cultural resources from pets and diseases
To give effect to these outcomes, MAF recently convened a Maori Focus Group to provide input into the development of a Bio-security Science Strategy. The Biosecurity Science Strategy will be a tool to help MAF assess what are pests and diseases and how it will respond to them.
It is recognised that Maori are kaitiaki and owners of land and resources, and therefore have a vested interest in protecting toanga from imported pests and disease for future generations. In order for the biosecurity system to respond to the needs and aspirations of Maori, it is important that the government understand Maori interests in biosecurity. This is pivotal to any effective relationship between Maori and biosecurity agencies.
The Maori focus Group identified seven key themes:
- Priority should be given to Maori input as Maori can positively contribute to the nation on the issue of biosecurity. For example, kaitiakitanga is about biosecurity and Maori participate across many spectrums of primary production and have the responsibility of managing many customary resources. Of practical advantage is the ability of Maori to contribute and participate at a local level.
- Biosecurity issues in the marine environment are considered to be of high priority.
- There needs to be legislative backing for Maori involvement so that it is not a discretionary consideration for the Ministry. Cited examples were the Hazardous Substances 1996 and New Organisms Act and the Resource Management Act 1991, but it was further stated that there is still a need for further revision of those pieces of legislation.
- Maori have the capacity and desire to be more widely involved on this subject matter. Maori can contribute to the Biosecurity Science Strategy Team, to be part of policy and decision-making teams instead of being limited to consultation. A recommendation that a National Maori forum be established to consider biosecurity issues was made.
- That biosecurity initatives should be implemented at a flax roots level on the ground. A fund to advance research for Maori was recommended. This could be in the form of a contestable fund that provides support for hapu led, as opposed to tertiary led iniatives.
- Education is also a preventative measure as it gives people the ability to identify and mitigate biosecurity risks. This information can be implemented into iwi management plans
- Research, education and practice can be collated into an information database at a regional level. It is likely to enable Maori to manage the inventory of natural resources, know what the risks and points of entry are, know the risks offshore, and know the actual threats within the rohe to assist with making informed decisions.
For more information on the ongoing process of review and responsiveness to Maori in biosecurity issues contact Senior Analyst Precious Clark at MAF |
