Project Janszoon recognised internationally

As part of Project Janszoon, Director Devon McLean and aviculturist Rosemary Vander Lee release kaka into an aviary in the Abel Tasman National Park before their November release. Photo / Dave Buckton

Project Janszoon in Abel Tasman National Park was named the worldwide Gold Winner in the Conservation, Habitat and Diversity section of the Green World Environment Awards this week as well as the conservation section for New Zealand in the Green Apple Awards.

The project, launched in 2012, was named after explorer Abel "Janszoon" Tasman. The $25 million initiative, funded by an Auckland family trust, aims to restore the region's flora and fauna to its diverse natural state over a 30 year period by ridding the park of non-native predators and weeds, restoring its ecosystems and re-introducing native species of birds and plants. The project will conclude on the 100 year anniversary of the park's establishment and the 400 year anniversary of Tasman's arrival.

Project Janszoon competed with more than 500 nominations from across the globe in the UK based awards.

Project Director Devon McLean who received the award at a presentation in Christchurch, says it was an honour for a New Zealand conservation project to receive international recognition. McLean says the award recognises the achievements of the Project Janszoon team, the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust.

"The Janszoon Trust is at the forefront of private-public partnerships in conservation here and is making great strides working with DOC and the community to restore nature in our most popular national park," said DOC Director General Lou Sanson. "The award puts Janszoon and New Zealand on the world stage for our collaborative conservation work."
In 2015 Project Janszoon also won the Supreme Award and Philanthropy and Partnership category at New Zealand's Green Ribbon Awards.

"Project Janszoon is a good example of a partnership between a philanthropic trust, Government and the community, with everyone working towards a common environmental goal," Project Janszoon Director Devon Mclean said after accepting the Green Ribbon Award. "We hope this model can be replicated and exceeded by others in
years to come."

The Green World Awards are organised by The Green Organisation, an independent non-profit environment group which recognises, rewards and promotes environmental best practice around the world. They are supported by the Environment Agency, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the Chartered Institution for Wastes Management and
other independent bodies.

For more information on the awards visit gwa.thegreenorganisation.info.