This issue of Planwell relates to our ecosystems.

Ecosystems: Life support systems – Nigel Clark provides a brief
introduction to ecosystems – the science, their importance and what is
affecting them.

Ecosystem management: a regional dimension – Whose job is
ecosystem management anyway? John Holmes explores how
responsibilities have been locally defined in the Regional Policy
Statement.

Doing it: legally – Rob Forlong presents a challenging picture of how to
manage ecosystems through the resource consent process.

Forests as Ecosystems – Geoff Cameron explores the precarious life the
natural forests in the region have had and describes the management
essential to keep these exceptional remnants in good condition.

Key native ecosystems and the pernicious possum – Diederik Meenken
provides an insight into practical management of pests in important
ecosystems.

Doing what we can – who is looking after the Region’s ecosystems?
Whether getting their hands dirty or acting as a watchdog, community
groups are out there doing their part. Four groups tell us what they see
ecosystem management to be and describe projects their members are
carrying out.

School Scene – A river ecosystem near you – a practical project for senior
students by Carla Wilson.