Could Fenced Megasanctuaries End Extinction In NZ’s Forests? (With Jim Lynch)

Written By Callum Armstrong

(Note: you can also listen to this episode on YouTube or Spotify)

Imagine a future where the threat of extinction for New Zealand's forest species is eliminated... forever.

Now imagine achieving this for less than 30 cents per person per week!

This isn't just a conservationist's dream – it's a well-researched proposal that could revolutionise our approach to conservation.

At the heart of this vision is Jim Lynch, co-founder of the wildly successful Zealandia fenced ecosanctuary in Wellington's Karori Valley. 

Building on the triumphs and lessons of Zealandia, Jim has developed an ambitious new concept: a network of ten fenced megasanctuaries, each spanning 3000-5000 hectares, strategically placed around the country.

These megasanctuaries wouldn't stand alone. Each would be surrounded by intensively managed 'halo zones', creating a powerful buffer against predators and other threats.

This isn't just an idea scribbled on a napkin, either. It’s backed by thorough costings and engineering studies in the Wainuiomata-Puketahā water collection area. 

Could this be the feasible approach to safeguarding our unique flora and fauna? How would we bring it to life? And what would it cost?

Join us as we dive deep into this bold vision with Jim Lynch, exploring how this approach could reshape the future of conservation in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Here are some of the things we discussed:

  • Jim’s journey from a ‘sleeping greenie’ to a full-blown conservationist.

  • How Zealandia ecosanctuary started and why the Natural Wellington plan was so important.

  • The ecological transformation Wellington has experienced over the last few decades – from a ‘biological cot case’ to a green city of abundance and reforestation.

  • The events that led Jim to pursue the fence model.

  • The proposed strategy of scaling up Zealandia’s success with fenced megasanctuaries.

  • Why the ‘nursery and halo’ model is so important.

  • Why fencing valleys is the most efficient way to do it.

  • Bringing conservation and business (a viable source of income) together to try and create a forever-model.

  • The one-off capital and ongoing management costs of these sanctuaries.

  • The policy changes that would be needed to make this happen.

  • What Aotearoa NZ would look like in 50 years if we brought this to life.

👩About Jim:

Jim Lynch, co-founder of Zealandia Ecosanctuary, has been a driving force in New Zealand conservation since the 1990s. His authored plan "Natural Wellington" aimed to restore birdlife to the city, leading to the creation of Zealandia. 

Jim's innovative approach combines his passion for conservation with his expertise in business and systems design, resulting in effective, large-scale conservation strategies. His work earned him the Queen's Service Medal (QSM) for conservation services in 2001, along with two Wellington City civic awards.

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🎙️About the podcast:

The People Helping Nature podcast is brought to you by Conservation Amplified, a registered New Zealand charity that’s on a mission to make biodiversity conservation mainstream.

We do this by bringing a megaphone to the world of conservation by featuring people from all walks of life who are doing interesting and important things to help nature thrive. We aim to make it easy for everyone to learn, understand, take action, and feel like they’re a part of the solution.

Find out more about Conservation Amplified at www.conservationamplified.org.

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Callum Armstrong
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