Navigating Planting Potential in Taranaki

The Context

Taranaki Mounga Project is a collaborative initiative aimed at restoring the natural biodiversity of the Taranaki region in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The project involves multiple community and iwi/hapū-based partners working to revive native ecosystems and manage their landscape sustainably.

Partners: Taranaki Mounga Project, community & iwi/hapū groups such as Te Ihowai Limited

Challenge: Planning large scale ecological restoration

Solutions: Navigator & Navigator X

Outcome: Improved planning & prioritisation power through science-based mapping

Project Supporters: Imaginal Seeds Trust, Biome Trust, Biological Heritage NZ, Te Mauri o Te Taiao Trust

Duration: 2023 onwards

The Challenge

The Taranaki Mounga Project aims to restore the ecological vitality of the Taranaki region, encompassing the mountain, ranges and islands. It’s a partnership with Te Papa Atawhai/Department of Conservation, funders and the Taranaki Iwi Chairs Forum.

The Project team works with multiple community and iwi/hapū groups, like that of Te Ihowai Limited, to transform the area by removing pests, reintroducing native plant and animal species, and protecting threatened species.

A significant challenge for the landscape-scale Taranaki Mounga Project and its partners has been determining where to focus restoration efforts to achieve the most substantial ecological impact, especially in areas where native ecosystems have been lost.

The Solution

With philanthropic support, Eco-index built two digital tools to meet the mapping and data needs of Taranaki Mounga Project and it’s partners:

  1. Navigator is a GIS-based tool that identifies optimal locations for reconstructing native ecosystems based on priorities set by the user. Eco-index Data Scientists, Ecologists and Economists brought together a range of national environmental datasets and expert know-how to create a sophisticated tool that highlights areas where ecosystem reconstruction efforts would yield the highest biodiversity benefits.

  2. Navigator X is the browser-based version of Navigator, allowing users to fly and zoom through their area of interest, without the need for GIS software or skills. Navigator X is a valuable communication and collaboration tool that allows non-technical users to customise and explore ecosystem reconstruction guidance.

Dr. Kiri Joy Wallace, Eco-index Co-Director, explains:

"Navigator and Navigator X help people to identify the best 'bang-for-buck' places to reconstruct native ecosystems from scratch.

We've designed these tools to help organisations like Taranaki Mounga Project and Te Ihowai Limited maximise the chance of supporting their local biodiversity while effectively using their precious time and resources."

Navigator (2D GIS mapping tool) showing a heat map for potential ecosystem restoration in the Waiwhakaiho catchment.

Navigator (2D GIS mapping tool) showing a heat map for potential ecosystem restoration in the Waiwhakaiho catchment.

“A lot of technology advances have helped make our work easier - the mapping tools from Eco-index are some of those game-changing advances.”

-Sean Zieltjes, Poutohu Matua Taurua/Acting Project Director

Navigator X (3D browser-based mapping tool) showing a heat map for potential ecosystem restoration around Taranaki Maunga.

The Impact

  • Strategic Planning: Navigator X has become an integral part of restoration planning for Taranaki Mounga Project and partners. It enables them to prioritise areas that offer the most significant ecological benefits.

  • Enhanced Collaboration: The user-friendly Navigator X mapping tool facilitates collaboration by allowing users to see science-based recommendations overlaid on a 3D map of their whenua. It encourages users to explore landscape-scale restoration opportunities and think beyond property boundaries to find project locations with the greatest potential benefits.

  • Broader Vision: The tool has encouraged the project team to think beyond traditional boundaries.

    As Sean Zieltjes explains:

"We're using Navigator X as an input – it adds rigour to the conversation. If connectivity between the maunga and the moana is to be achieved, it shows us where effort could be prioritised to ensure ecological integrity."

The Future

With the successful integration of Navigator and Navigator X, the Taranaki Mounga Project team is looking to continue meaningful, collaborative restoration initiatives across the region. The project's approach serves as a model for other regions aiming to combine scientific tools with local insights for effective biodiversity restoration.

Interested in enhancing your restoration efforts with data-driven tools? Contact Eco-index to learn how Navigator and other solutions can support your biodiversity goals.

Interested in restoration initiatives in Taranaki? Check out the Taranaki Mounga website for lots more.