Implementation

This Proposal outlines the many reasons why Recloaking Papatūānuku presents such a critical national initiative. But it will require multi-scale, multi-stakeholder support and commitment to fully realise the scope of its aspirations and the multiplicity of benefits it would deliver. 

Importantly, Recloaking Papatūānuku must recognise and empower the stewardship of those who live on and care for the land. Accordingly, landowner, catchment group, and community-led replanting and restoration projects are to be prioritised and enabled, respectful of and enhancing place-based relationships between people and land.

As a result, this Proposal does not attempt to articulate a comprehensive implementation strategy or programme of action. Rather, it outlines some possible features thereof, in the expectation of further developing and progressing these in collaboration with stakeholders.

What planting, where and why: Identifying target land

Based on some initial data analysis informed by geospatial and biophysical constraints mapping, we have identified potential target land, and described three reforestation scenarios (new restoration planting, supported regeneration/reversion, and enrichment of existing indigenous forest) that could apply depending on the land in question. 

The analysis anticipates the reforestation and restoration of 2.1 million hectares of target land, with up to 5 million hectares of land with ecological potential to support large-scale reforestation or restoration is potentially possible. 

The purpose of Recloaking Papatūānuku is to facilitate collaboration across a range and scale of stakeholders to identify land for reforestation or restoration, and work with stewards of the land to realise this aspiration for the long term prosperity of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Developing funding and investment models

With input from a number of different sources, we have been exploring the economic case to support this Proposal, including high level cost analyses for the three reforestation scenarios it outlines, a recommended funding model, and the potential to develop innovative or access existing investment models and instruments. This modelling and analysis in support of our Proposal will be provided separately.

Governance and operational entities

Appropriate and effective governance and operational models will be further explored with Recloaking Papatūānuku signatories and stakeholders. 

We note that the Predator Free 2050 movement might provide a potentially workable precedent that captures the inclusive, collaborative, participatory, multi-scale, and multi-stakeholder approach around which this Proposal was formed.

The involvement of mana whenua and rangatahi in both governance oversight and at the operations level are fundamental to upholding Te Tiriti, ensuring decision-making is informed by mātauranga and tikanga Māori, and safeguarding the commitment to intergenerational equity and well-being.

For Recloaking Papatūānuku to be successful, we need to ensure that funding does not get tied up in a costly administrative and auditing bureaucracy. It is essential that funding leads to direct on-the-ground mahi through community groups, mana whenua entities and other land managers. The National Catchment Community Trust and Federation of Māori Authorities are likely to be key organisations to ensure that funding reaching those doing the mahi is maximised.

Objectives and outcomes

To ensure the aspirations of Recloaking Papatūānuku are realised, clearly defined and measurable objectives and outcomes will need to be developed and defined. We expect these would be designed around material improvements across a range of climate, ecological and landscape resilience indicators, as well as economic, research and education, cultural and community.

Monitoring and measurement of outcomes against key milestones

Target land will need to be monitored to ensure successful establishment, reversion, or regeneration and ongoing maintenance pursuant to species and forest management plans. Plant stocking rates, and suitable targets and timeframes for increases in species composition/diversity, carbon stores, water quality, erosion control, associated jobs and revenue streams appropriate to the relevant target land will need to be agreed, and progress against these indicators (and any others) reviewed and reported on at regular intervals.