Conservation’s money woes

Press, 1 June 1977, Page 10

Conservation’s money woes

Wellington Reporter Financing conservation battles is a problem, according to the president of the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society (Mr A. A. T. Ellis). “Usually the person or group that takes the initiative either does not have the money or is not prepared to pay.” he said. In some cases, it was entirely appropriate that the people taking the action should pay for it: for example, where the issue involved their own property values or immediate locality. However, many cases arose from an informed concern for wide issues, such as energy problems or the use of native forests. “Li these matters, where is the fighting fund to come from?” asked Mr Ellis.

“Our society has always considered that its resources are available for a crisis, but crises seem to

arise in varying sizes almost daily, and our capacity is stretched. We live beyond our means.” It has been suggested that $60,000 of public funds be made available to a conservation movement. The Minister for the Environment (Mr V. S. Young) was sympathetic, but short of money. “If money is available, priority is to be given to helping fight specific battles rather than setting up administration,” he said. “I sincerely hope that this will be so: to do otherwise would be to give conservationists the kiss of bureaucracy. "Though 1 have no real fears that Government money would adversely affect the recipients, I firmly believe that in the great battles that face mankind over the use of natural resources, personal

commitment is essential —and this includes financial commitment,” Mr Ellis said.