STDC Natural Environments Fund Open

The South Taranaki District Council’s (STDC) Natural Environments Fund is open for applications from 4 August 2023.

STDC group manager of environmental services, Liam Dagg, says the Fund’s purpose is to promote the protection, restoration, or enhancement of areas of significant indigenous biodiversity or significant habitats of indigenous fauna on private land throughout the District.

“Many of the remaining indigenous species and ecosystems of our District are threatened. The Natural Environments Fund encourages private landowners to work alongside STDC and other agencies to help protect and enhance areas of significant indigenous biodiversity remaining on private land in our District,” says Dagg.

Individuals, trusts, incorporated societies, and other groups are eligible to apply, however funded project sites must either already have permanent legal protection status or be prepared to seek legal protection status within twelve months of receiving funding.

Natural Environments Fund applications are expected to include non-Council co-funding contributions to the project. Dagg says that depending on the project type, applicants and/or co-funders must contribute between 50-66% to the total project cost, with STDC funding the balance.

“An applicant’s contribution towards the total project costs does not need to be financial and can include volunteer time or in-kind support,” he says.

If you have any queries about the Natural Environments Fund email envirosus@stdc.govt.nz or call 0800 111 323 and ask for the Environment and Sustainability Team.

The application form can be found on the Council’s website www.southtaranaki.com

Applications close at 5 pm, Sunday 17 September 2023.