This research programme contributes to the vital national need for valuing and enhancing ecosystem services in New Zealand by:

1. analysing and modelling the value to New Zealand of ecosystem services for the arable, pastoral and horticultural sectors

2. enhancing ecosystem services and natural capital to improve biological control of pests and diseases, weed suppression, ecotourism and marketing, as well as reflecting matauranga Maori ethics such as kaitiakitanga.

Also known as "nature's services," ecosystem services add value to ecosystems while reducing reliance on pesticides.

Funded by the Foundation for Research, Science & Technology, the first aim of the programme is being achieved in collaboration with ecosystem services-valuation colleagues at the University of Vermont, United States.

The second aim is being achieved in collaboration with a wide range of partners and has led to the development of the flagship Greening Waipara Project.  Enhancements of productive sector environments include:

• adding floral diversity to improve biocontrol of pests and diseases - saving up to $1000 of annual variable costs per hectare


• 
  the introduction to vineyards of native New Zealand plants, lizard lounges, weta motels and other ways of enhancing functional biodiversity.

A key publication relating to this research:

Robinson, K.A., Jonsson, M., Wratten, S.D., Wade, M.R., & Buckley, H.L. (2008) Implications of floral resources for predation by an omnivorous lacewing. Basic and Applied Ecology, 9, 172-181

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