Fonterra’s commitment to invest $20 million over 10 years in a waterways conservation partnership with DOC demonstrates a recognition by business of its dependence and impact on ecosystem services says the Sustainable Business Council.

 “Without fresh, quality water, it’s not just our environment that will suffer, but our economy too,” says Penny Nelson, Executive Director of the Sustainable Business Council.

 “Fonterra plays a major role in New Zealand’s primary industry-based economy, and this initiative to improve the biodiversity and water values in some of the catchment areas it affects is exciting. It’s really encouraging to see business’s commitment to conservation partnerships scaling up. We fully support this new partnership and look forward to seeing more New Zealand companies engaging with DOC in this manner.

“Fonterra and DOC are actively engaged in the Sustainable Business Council’s ecosystem services work programme. There are some really useful corporate tools & training that have been developed by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development which are starting to be used in New Zealand”.