New Zealand's conservation efforts are back in the spotlight as scientists from around the world have arrived here for the International Congress of Conservation Biology.
They're focused on the global situation, but what's happening in New Zealand as the Department of Conservation prepares to cut almost 100 jobs, hasn't gone unnoticed.
Paul Beier is the president of the Society for Conservation Biology and says those working for DOC play a critical role in the country’s international reputation.
“The [Department of Conservation] has been known as a worldwide leader in crisis management of endangered species, so they’re doing a lot of very innovative things, things that aren’t happening elsewhere,” he says.
“New Zealand is in the midst of making some fabulous progress in these areas, so the scientists are very upset to see […] a staff cut of 100 scientists.”
“Species extinction is something that lasts forever, we can’t afford to let go of our efforts for a time and pick them up later.”
Click ‘view video’ to watch the full interview.
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