MANAGING RESOURCES (1) Because of Australia and New Zealand’s remote locations, agriculture has been the main source of economic activity. Much of the country’s vast land is devoted to raising livestock such as sheep for wool exports. Because of the dry climate,large stations can be found. These are vast ranches which use irrigation, and modern technology to get the most productivity. Graziers in New Zealand also raise livestock, but the soil is much more fertile, and they can also grow wheat, barley and potatoes.

Managing Resources (2) Another threat that people need to be aware of is the ever growing rabbit population {rabbits were introduced to Australia in 1859 for hunting purposes.} By 1926 there were 10 billion rabbits in the country. This caused the destruction of native plants and crops leading to soil erosion. In New Zealand feral cats have killed many of the native kiwi birds, while other birds have been killed by weasels and ferrets brought in to control the rabbits.

Managing Resources (3) The introduction of non native plants has created multiple problems around Australia. With the introduction of the prickly pear, brought in to establish the dye industry, weeds were also introduced that took over 15,000 square miles of farmland.

Human Impact (Forests and Soil) Australian and New Zealand Forests being turned into grazing fields and farming New Zealand is dominated by pastures 74,000 acres lost to pastures between Australia- soil erosion caused by overgrazing has added onto the arid temperatures and drought Soil conservation is important to avoiding deforestation

Human Impact (Freshwater Resources) Land use affects water sources Both countries suffer consequences or drought, salt, irrigation, and agricultural run off Murray Darling River Basin is the world’s largest drainage basins It’s flow has been reduced by demand of fresh water Replacing native plants contributed to soil salinity Deep root structures block rainfall from sinking deep into the ground this causes salt to rise to the surface Soil Salinity makes plants unable to grow, destroys building foundations, and makes water too salty to be used

Agricultural run off, chemical fertilizers and organic waste These toxic wastes along with tourists, boaters, divers, oil shale mining, and rising temperatures threaten Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Global warming effects: ocean levels rising, algae and plankton overgrowth, and coral bleaching Pollution affects Algae which keep the ecosystem balanced Human Impact (Freshwater Resources)

Addressing Issues (1) Australia and New Zealand government and nongovernment organizations are working to reduce these environmental problems. Some efforts are intended to reverse some of the environmental damage in both countries. Australian government has reacted to these concerns by enacting environmental laws and initiatives. They created organizations and education programs to combat the problems. The government created the Natural Heritage Trust in 1977

Addressing Issues (2) Caring for our Country help protect and restore the habitat of threatened animals species. The Australian Government Envirofund delivers funding to projects at the local level. Government programs distribute money to the (NRMS) national resource management regions.

Addressing Issues (3) The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is working with New Zealand to work restoring in the environment to its original beauty. In 1991, New Zealand passed the Resource Management Act in order to promote sustainable management of natural resources. NZ also works with the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research to eventually improve the economic value and sustainable management of its aquatic resources and environments.

Bibliography Pages Chapter 32 Lesson 3 Boehm, Richard G. Networks. TEKS ed. Columbus: Mc Graw Hill, Print. World Geography. Credit given to authors of background pictures