How to allow development of the Mackenzie Basin and its environs while preserving the area's uniqueness is the aim of four environmental groups holding a forum at Twizel next month.
The event will gather input from the Mackenzie, Omarama and Ohau basin communities and national involvement in an attempt to find a solution acceptable to all to safeguard the landscape and biodiversity of the region.
The "Future of the Mackenzie Country" symposium on November 26 and 27 is being organised by the Environmental Defence Society in conjunction with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, World Commission on Protected Areas and the Forest and Bird Protection Society.
Environmental Defence Society general manager Fiona Driver said yesterday the recent controversy over dairy cubicle farming in the Mackenzie Country raised New Zealand and international concern about the future of "that very special place".
The programme starts with a half-day field trip followed on the Saturday by a full day of speakers and discussion which will assess the values of the area, identify pressures, describe and evaluate Resource Management Act policies, plans and management approaches.
Ample opportunity would be provided for local community members and others to contribute to the discussion, which would conclude with a session on "The Way Forward", leading to a symposium communique.
It was hoped keynote speakers would include people from local tourism, farming, council and business interests.
The event is free but participants must register beforehand.
