Advocacy

 

Developing a Sustainable Irrigation Industry – The Challenge

Well designed policy based on the widely recognised links between environmental performance, water use efficiency, water reliability and water security is the key for the irrigation industry to move successfully forward.

Other challenges include –

  • Integrated strategic planning for water – direction for the management of NZ’s greatest asset.
  • Acceptance that sustainability involves a balance between economic, social, cultural and environmental values
  • A holistic approach to the analysis of environmental values - considering water, land, biodiversity and energy components to determine the best way forward
  • Acceptance and implementation of zonal based management to allow -
    • The development and implementation of dynamic water demand management systems. NZ is not water limited - there is plenty of water to go round and achieve the desired environmental outcomes. It just needs better management.
    • The uptake of audited self management principles driving cost efficiencies whilst demonstrating responsible use to the wider community.