Plan for environment

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33230, 21 May 1973, Page 2

Plan for environment

(N Z. Prtis AMociatlon?

PALMERSTON NTH, May 20.

A system of environmental zoning is recommended in a document presented at the annual conference of the Social Credit Political League in Palmerston North.

The document, drawn up by a committee of league members, recommends: A sanctuary zone, which would include genetic sanctuaries, marine sanctuaries and other areas which may not be disturbed. A reserve zone, including national parks, scenic reserves, and marine parks The public would have unrestricted access to this zone.

An open country zone. This would be subdivided into

areas suitable for fores-

try only, forestry of grazing, and unrestricted use. A national development zone. This would include urban areas and the various sub-zones at present in use for industrial development. The document says the Soil Association and similar organisations should be supported in their efforts to have municipal compost schemes in all cities and boroughs. NATIVE BUSH "It is tragic that so much of our native bush is being oulldozed down tor the sake ot industry and housing, there is no doubt that an education programme must include education about the value ot trees within the ecosystem," says the report. Greater use of organic manures instead of artificial <ertiiisers is recommended. Pesticides should be replaced wherever possible with biological controls, and ultimately phased out, says the report. Diversified farming practices should replace “monoculture,” it adds. “If the fish population is to be exploited on a continuing basis urgent protection measures will be necessary,” the document says. The first and most urgent requirement was the enforcement of a three-mile limit against all forms of trawling and power netting. Territorial limits should be expanded beyond the boundaries of the continental shelf to protect it—a limit of 50 miles. POLLUTION FIGURES The document says; Each day New Zealand farms and factories contaminate 220 million gallons of clean water.

Each year 3m gallons of insecticides and weedicides is sprayed on New Zealand farms.

About 12m pounds of rubbish is dumped every day by New Zealanders. The document says all vehicles subject to warrant of fitness tests should be required to meet noise level and fume-emission tests.

A deposit of at least 10

cents should be paid on beer bottles. Smokeless zones should be established in urban areas.

A levy should be imposed on manufacturers who do not provide for the recycling of non-biodegradable wastes.