A total 33 environmental projects across Otago have been granted $854,733 in this year’s annual ECO Fund and Incentives Funding programmes.

The funding supports community driven projects, which protect, enhance, and promote Otago’s environment, which now tops a total $2.58 million going to 166 organisations since mid-2018.

Those to benefit across Central Otago include Mokihi Reforestation Trust, which received $29,520 for native vegetation, while Kyeburn Catchment Ltd received $48,540 for roundhead galaxias restoration, the Lower Manorburn Reserve working group/committee received $11,414 part funding), for its wilding conifer removal and native revegetation project, Otago Fish & Game received $5000 for the Bendigo Wildlife Reserve and the Alexandra Primary School received $2000 for native moth and butterfly habitat restoration. 

Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) ECO Fund Assessment Panel chair Alan Somerville said he was delighted the programme has been able to support projects across Otago - from the headwaters and Central Otago to North Otago, Dunedin and the Catlins. 

“Otago gets huge value from the ECO fund. Control of pests - sycamores, rabbits and possums - protects our natural landscapes and habitats. Native revegetation restores habitat and looks after our waterways. Traplines and control of predators further helps our native animal populations recover,” Alan said.

Local groups also play an important part in educating their communities about environmental values and action.

“It’s especially pleasing that we have supported environmental programmes in three primary schools. Those children can carry their attitudes of care for the environment into their adult lives,” he said.

Alan highlighted the funds were bigger than ever this year, but ORC was still not able to fund all projects.

ORC’s environmental implementation manager Libby Caldwell said the oversubscription again this year in-part, likely reflects the ending of the Government’s Jobs for Nature funding, which had supported many groups in past years.

“Oversubscription reflects the ongoing need in communities for these important funding streams,” she said.