Youth Conservation Project Gains Momentum
Education on the day focused on establishing plant communities native to the area. Environment Canterbury’s Marco Cataloni, Northern Zone Delivery Lead, illustrated the importance of preserving local plant genetics.
“We brought 16 species of plants with us, all natives, with the seeds having been collected in the Hurunui district. That means they are all indigenous to the area,” he said. “That’s important, because plants from elsewhere could be a slightly different species, better suited to another area and dilutive to established genetics”.
Cataloni has been involved with the project since its beginning, with Environment Canterbury conducting the weed control, site preparation and providing the plants, weed matting and plant protection for this first round of work.
The intention was that Environment Canterbury would initialise the project and provide education on how to maintain the site, to support the youth in their kaitiakitanga goals.
“There’s plenty of scope left at the site for more plants and I have great faith in the ability of the young people involved to take the ball and run with it,” Cataloni said. “There will be ongoing fundraising required to keep enhancing that area, but Hurunui Youth have taken up the challenge.”
“I think it’s a good opportunity for young people that live in the community, to learn what was there once upon a time and what that land used to look like. Young people wanting to take guardianship of a place is a fantastic thing.”
*The Hurunui Youth Kaitiakitanga Project began when the Hurunui Youth Council and Hurunui Youth Group expressed a wish to lead their own conservation project. It was made possible in the beginning by Ministry of Youth Development Funding that supports youth leadership, mentoring, volunteering and wellbeing. Anyone is welcome to get involved and our youth are inviting any interested groups or individuals to join in or show their support.
