Sustainability, preservation and restoration were the key themes at the Forests of Life project launch held jointly via video link between Palmerston North Intermediate Normal School and Mokoia Intermediate School in Rotorua.
Launching the project was Minister of Education, the Hon Trevor Mallard. Other guests and speakers included the Minister of Research, Science and Technology and Palmerston North MP, the Hon Steve Maharey; Massey University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Judith Kinnear; Forest Research scientist, Tim Payn; and Rotorua MP, Steve Chadwick.
Through the gathering, monitoring and analysing of data, the Forests of Life project aims to stimulate and promote a lifelong understanding and appreciation of native forest and bush by teaching students that forest and bush support many ecosystems.
From Palmerston North, Trevor Mallard said the students involved in the project were learning how and why New Zealand’s native forest and bush needed safeguarding, and a range of modern technology such as Proscopes (digital imaging microscopes), global positioning systems and data recording devices would help them achieve this.
“Technology will allow the microscopic activity of an ecosystem to be brought to life on a screen,” said Mr Mallard.
All data and results collected by the students will be loaded onto the Forests of Life website, which the Minister said he would “hook into now and again” to follow their progress.
Speaking on behalf of project partner Massey University, Professor Kinnear said Forests of Life was an exciting and critically important project that challenged all generations to think about habitat preservation and restoration.
From Rotorua, Tim Payn told guests that forests covered 30 percent of New Zealand and was our third largest export. Forests also provided wood, food, hillside protection, shelter, habitats, clean water, fresh air and recreation. He also said Forest Research was looking to the next generation to take care of and study New Zealand forests. He strongly encouraged students to consider a career in science.
The Forests of Life website is www.forestsoflife.net.nz
