Transcript Blumine Island - SustainableBlumine

By Sally, Jonty, Laura.O,
Nettie and Laura.W
Introduction to Blumine Island
Blumine is situated in the Queen Charlotte
Sounds. It was 100% pure native forest before
Captain James Cook discovered the Island. This
lead to the introduction of many unwanted pests
which resulted in many native birds decreasing in
population size. It was then used as farmland for
over 100 years up until 1912 when a small section
was declared reserve status. The rest of the land
was farmed until the 1940s,this is when the two
gun placements were established. They still
remain an essential aspect of Blumine’s vast
history. Since then, the forest has been
regenerating and indigenous species have been
thriving.
Strengths of Blumine’s Current
Status
• Pest free!!
• Self regeneration of forest.
• Various indigenous species
of birds and plants.
• Minimal tourist attraction to
ensure that the species can
thrive in a protected wild
habitat.
• Good support of Blumine
Island Project such as DOC,
UTWCT and Peter Sutton.
• Historical aspect in natural
environment.
Weaknesses of Blumine’s
Current Status
• Lack of understanding of rules and
guidelines of Blumine eg. Quarantine
• Minimal funding available
• Weeds e.g.. Olds Mans Beard
• “People may take more than photos
and leave more than footprints”
• Lack of signage
How much Eco-tourism should
be allowed?
• Eco-tourism should be limited by having procedures
like guided tours. It’s essential that people learn
about conservation in order to co-inhabit with the
island.
• Communication with DOC before landing on the
island should be compulsory in order to preserve the
eco-system of Blumine.
• Facilities shouldn’t be added. This would enable
people who don’t fully respect ‘nature at it’s best’ to
disrupt the island’s natural status.
• If an increase in Eco-tourism was allowed, more
signage should be added to educate visitors about
quarantine, history and the unique environment on
Blumine.
What status best insures a
sustainable future for Blumine?
• In order for Blumine to be used effectively as a
resource it should be a controlled combination of an
open and closed island. People would be able to
witness the islands beauty but in a controlled
environment.
• This idea will ensure that the island can be used as
an educational resource for conservation and
sustainability for visitors who either have licensed
boats or are guided by DOC. This would prevent
damage to the natural habitat.
• It would be important for visitors of the island to be
able to apply what they have learnt about
conservation to their communities.
Our Achievements
• Taking GPS co-ordinates of where water crosses tracks. Then
assessing for sustainability and access for new species who
will be introduced. E.g. Kiwi
• Placing ink tracking tunnels around the island to test for pests
movements.
• Clear and remark various tracks around the island
• Bird counts along a transect line
• Checked snail plots around the island
• Cleared leaves and other organic materials from historical
sites.
• Met new people
• Had an AWESOME time 
Korero
Whanau
Kaitiakitanga
Wairua