The Value of Conservation Not a “lock-up ” of resources but a “lift-off”

As part of growing public debate on sustainability in New Zealand, the Department of Conservation commissioned studies in 2004-2006 on the regional economic impacts of selected activities and ecosystem services on public conservation land. In particular, claims had been made that public conservation land is a “lock-up ” of resources and an unnecessary deadweight economic loss to the national economy. Tourism and recreation spending were calculated for Abel Tasman National Park, Queen Charlotte Track and Fiordland National Park using economic impact analysis. For conservation lands on the West Coast of the South Island, economic impacts arising from mining and other activities were also included. A study of Te Papanui Conservation Park calculated the economic value of freshwater provided by this catchment. Whangamarino Wetland was studied for its flood water storage services. The studies show that conservation also makes a significant contribution to regional wealth and employment. Economic activities arising on public conservation lands on the West Coast led to 1814 extra jobs and extra spending in the region of $221.6 million/year. The equivalent figures for Fiordland National Park are 1600 extra jobs and $19