More than half a million dollars will be pumped into grassroots environmental projects from the Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) ECO Fund and Incentives Fund this year. 

The funds support community-led projects around the region that protect, enhance and promote Otago’s environment. In this round, the ORC granted financial support to 32 projects.

“Communities know what matters most to them in their own areas, and funding from the ECO Fund can empower them to turn those ideas into action,” ORC councillor Alan Somerville said.

Actions supported by the fund include pest control and rabbit fencing, weed control, native revegetation and riparian planting, a new native plant nursery, freshwater predator removal, an environmental education programme and more.

ORC environmental implementation manager Libby Caldwell said the funds also help support administration costs for the organisations, most of which are volunteer-run.

“Assisting with these costs is an essential part to underpin communities’ environmental projects and ensure their sustainability,” she said.

“The work that can now be undertaken from these two funds is a great example of the ORC working in partnership with local communities throughout Otago.”

Alan sat on the assessment panel alongside fellow councillors Alexa Forbes and Kate Wilson.

He said he was sorry the funds available didn’t allow for more applications to receive funding.

The ORC received 49 applications, with $1.17M sought from $568,000 available. 

The ECO Fund was established in July 2018 and, along with the Incentives Fund, it has funded 101 projects totalling $1.19M in the years since.