Biological diversity, its conservation, sustainable use and
equitable sharing of its benefits, is a theme underlying a number of courses
and research interests within the Department's Environmental Planning
(EP) programme.It is also one of the prime research interests of Mairi Jay and Pippa Wallace,
both of whom have extensive practical experience in this area.
Prior to joining the Department of Geography, Mairi Jay was responsible for the development of the Department of Conservation's Waikato Conservancy Conservation Management Strategy. This Strategy provides the legal basis on which the Department conducts its work in the conservation of New Zealand's indigenous flora, fauna and ecosystems, both on Crown land and on other lands and waters in private or other hands. She also coordinates a community group involved in rehabilitating and preserving a native bush reserve near Hamilton, which provides a basis for some of her teaching and research. Mairi's primary interest in the sustainable use of these resources is represented in her research on ecotourism and farmer preservation of native bush.