Our environment is clean, green and valued

A mix of empirical and perception data, gathered by Environment Bay of Plenty, is used to gauge the health of the District’s and Region’s environment.

The District’s high population growth, increased residential development and land use changes pose potential risks to the environment and to the District’s rural-based economy.

To ensure the sustainability of the District’s green, clean environment, it is essential to retain highly productive land; protect soil stability and mitigate the impact of land use changes on inshore waterways, estuaries and harbour.

Water quality – coastal and freshwater / Water quality of key waterways / Air quality / Soil health and stability / Insect health Several ``givens’’ in the environment are essential to human health and safety: water quality, air quality, land stability and coastal protection.	Water quality – coastal and freshwater Water quality of key waterways Air quality Soil health and stability Insect health
Changes in land use / Level of protection for rare and endangered species / Foredune stability Likewise several ``givens’’ are essential for the protection and enhancement of habitats for fauna and flora: unpolluted air; unpolluted waterways; riparian and estuarine areas; and the protection of threatened species.	Changes in land use Level of protection for rare and endangered species Foredune stability
Level of involvement in environmental care programmes Strong community and council involvement in the District’s environmental care programmes is invaluable for the targeted protection of habitats, waterways, foreshore dunes and threatened species. The community has a very protective attitude toward the environment and a strong will to protect its biodiversity. The number of voluntary groups and organisations active in the District is evidence of the community interaction that is fundamental to achieving sustainable management of the environment.	Level of involvement in environmental care programmes
Perception of the state of the natural environment / Perception of change in the state of the natural environment There is an overall perception that the District’s environment is in good health and that the state of the natural environment is not changing for the worse.	Perception of the state of the natural environment Perception of change in the state of the natural environment