AI Policy Making Day 15: Drafting Policies
Midjourney prompt: rays of sunlight shine on a small glistening stream though the trees in dense New Zealand native bush --ar 7:4
That's the first draft now completed for all the objectives. Next up, we need to deal with the policies, methods, and mapping for each topic in the Bootleg plan. In which sequence should we tackle these do you suggest?
Great job on completing the first draft for all the objectives! The next steps are indeed to work on the policies, methods, and mapping. Here's a suggested sequence:
1. **Policies**: These will be the guidelines or principles that will help achieve the objectives. They will provide a clear direction about how the objectives will be achieved. Each policy should directly relate to at least one objective.
2. **Methods**: These are the practical ways through which the policies will be implemented to achieve the objectives. Methods can include rules, incentives, educational programs, partnerships, or other forms of action. Methods should be linked directly to the policies.
3. **Mapping**: This is the geographical representation of the zones and areas mentioned in the plan. This will help visualize the spatial aspects of the policies and methods. It's important to have the objectives, policies, and methods established first so that the mapping can accurately reflect the plan's content.
By following this sequence, you ensure that each component of the plan is directly related and supportive of the one before it, forming a cohesive and comprehensive District Plan. Each step provides a foundation for the next, allowing for a logical progression of work. This also enables any adjustments or changes to be more easily identified and addressed as the plan develops.
That is a logical approach. Examining the policies will also help identify what information and data sources would be needed to understand how the policies and subsequent methods are applied 'on the ground'. Following the approach we took for the objectives, we should list them in the same three 'levels' of application: District, Zone, Area. As you say, the policies should directly relate to each of the objectives. I would also like you to articulate the value proposition for each policy. Let's start with the policies for the topic of 'Land' under the Natural Environment Chapter. Do you require a reminder of what objectives you came up with? Here is the outline we are working to (that you gave in a separate chat instance): "**Policies**: Policies that outline how the objectives will be achieved. This could involve policies on land use, land development, soil conservation, erosion control, sustainable agricultural practices, protection of significant landscapes, and so on."
Thank you for the outline and the clarity on the approach. Here is a draft of the three levels of policies for the topic of 'Land' under the Natural Environment Chapter, each with a corresponding value proposition (VP):
## District Level
**Policy 1:** Encourage sustainable land use practices that minimize soil degradation and maintain soil health.
- **VP:** By encouraging sustainable land use, we help preserve our soil for future generations, ensuring long-term agricultural productivity and overall ecological health.
**Policy 2:** Support and promote land development that is in harmony with natural landscapes, and avoids or mitigates negative impacts on significant landscapes.
- **VP:** This ensures that the development is integrated with the natural environment, thus protecting our district's unique landscape characteristics and cultural heritage.
## Zone Level
**Policy 3:** In rural zones, prioritize land uses that promote soil conservation and sustainable agricultural practices.
- **VP:** This policy upholds the productive potential of our rural land, supports our local agriculture industry, and promotes environmental sustainability.
**Policy 4:** In urban zones, advocate for land development that reduces impervious surfaces and incorporates green infrastructure to manage stormwater and reduce erosion.
- **VP:** This approach to urban development helps manage stormwater more naturally, reduces flood risk, and creates more green spaces in our urban areas.
## Area Level
**Policy 5:** For areas with high erosion risk, implement stringent soil conservation measures and restrict certain types of land use that could exacerbate erosion.
- **VP:** This policy helps protect our vulnerable lands, reduces the risk of natural disasters like landslides, and maintains the health of our watersheds.
**Policy 6:** For areas identified as significant landscapes, strictly control land development to preserve these areas' natural and cultural values.
- **VP:** This helps preserve the unique natural and cultural values of these significant landscapes, contributing to our district's identity and attractiveness.
These draft policies are designed to align with the objectives previously formulated for the 'Land' topic under the Natural Environment Chapter. They offer a strategic approach to manage land use and development, aiming to protect soil health, conserve significant landscapes, and promote sustainability across the district.
Let's start with the policies for the topic of 'Water' under the Natural Environment Chapter. Here is the outline we are working to (that you gave in a separate chat instance): "3. **Policies**: Policies to achieve the objectives. This might involve policies on water extraction, water quality standards, wastewater discharge, stormwater management, protection of riparian margins, flood management, etc.". Please draft the policies that relate to the following objectives: "**Topic Based Objectives:** 1. Objective: To ensure the sustainable management and protection of water resources in the district. - Value Proposition: "Our sustainable water management policies benefit all users of water resources, including farmers, residents, and businesses by ensuring the long-term availability and health of our district's water resources, setting us apart from those who might fail to manage water resources sustainably." **Zone or Land-Use Based Objectives:** 2. Objective: To promote water efficiency and conservation practices in agricultural, residential, and industrial zones. - Value Proposition: "Our water efficiency policies support farmers, homeowners, and industrial operators by promoting water-saving practices, thereby contributing to the longevity of water resources and potentially reducing utility costs, differentiating us from those who may not emphasize the importance of water conservation." 3. Objective: To manage and protect the district's wetlands and riparian areas from adverse effects of land-use activities. - Value Proposition: "Our wetland and riparian protection policies aid conservationists, indigenous communities, and all who value biodiversity by shielding these sensitive habitats from harmful land use activities, thereby maintaining biodiversity and contributing to climate resilience, differentiating us from those who may not prioritize the protection of these areas." **Area or Geographical Feature Based Objectives:** 4. Objective: To protect and enhance the quality of the district's freshwater bodies, including rivers, lakes, and aquifers. - Value Proposition: "Our freshwater protection policies benefit residents, recreational users, and environmentalists by ensuring the quality of our rivers, lakes, and aquifers, setting us apart from those who might overlook the need for maintaining the health of these vital water bodies." 5. Objective: To mitigate the risk of flood hazards in areas susceptible to flooding. - Value Proposition: "Our flood hazard mitigation policies support homeowners, businesses, and local communities in flood-prone areas by reducing the risk of flood-related damage, distinguishing us from those who may not focus on flood prevention and mitigation strategies." "
Sure, I can draft the policies for the topic of 'Water' under the Natural Environment Chapter that relate to the objectives you provided.
**Topic Based Policies:**
1. Policy: Develop and implement a comprehensive water management plan that includes measures for sustainable extraction, use, and replenishment of water resources in the district.
- Value Proposition: "Our comprehensive water management policy ensures the sustainability of our water resources and offers peace of mind to all stakeholders that our water resources are managed responsibly, giving us an edge over regions that lack such comprehensive plans."
**Zone or Land-Use Based Policies:**
2. Policy: Encourage water efficiency and conservation in agricultural, residential, and industrial zones through education, incentives, and regulations.
- Value Proposition: "Our water efficiency policy promotes responsible water use, potentially reducing utility costs for farmers, homeowners, and businesses, and distinguishing us from areas that do not actively promote water efficiency."
3. Policy: Implement strict land-use regulations in areas with wetlands and riparian zones to minimize adverse effects from human activities.
- Value Proposition: "Our land-use policy in wetland and riparian zones offers protection to these sensitive habitats, helping maintain biodiversity and climate resilience, and setting us apart from those who do not prioritize these areas."
**Area or Geographical Feature Based Policies:**
4. Policy: Monitor and regulate activities that may impact the quality of freshwater bodies, including rivers, lakes, and aquifers, to ensure they meet or exceed established water quality standards.
- Value Proposition: "Our policy for monitoring and regulating activities affecting freshwater bodies ensures the health and usability of our rivers, lakes, and aquifers, distinguishing us from areas that do not prioritize the quality of their water bodies."
5. Policy: Develop and implement a flood risk management plan for areas susceptible to flooding, which includes measures for flood prevention, early warning systems, and post-flood recovery.
- Value Proposition: "Our flood risk management policy provides homeowners, businesses, and communities with a sense of security and resilience against flood hazards, setting us apart from those who may not focus on comprehensive flood management strategies."
Let's start with the policies for the topic of 'Air' under the Natural Environment Chapter. Here is the outline we are working to (that you gave in a separate chat instance): "**Policies**: Policies to achieve the objectives. This might involve policies on emission standards, air quality monitoring, land-use planning to minimize air pollution, promotion of clean technologies, etc.". Please draft the policies that relate to the following objectives: "**District Level Objectives** 1. To manage and improve air quality across all catchment areas in Kaipara, especially in areas with identified air pollution issues. 2. To minimize air pollution from industrial activities and transport across the district. 3. To promote practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with national and international commitments. 4. To protect sensitive receptors, including residential areas, schools, and hospitals, from exposure to harmful air pollutants. **Zone Level Objectives** 1. To ensure industrial zones implement best practices for air pollution control and emissions reduction. 2. To encourage sustainable transport practices in urban areas that reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality. 3. To promote the use of clean energy sources in residential, commercial, and industrial zones to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 4. To manage and control the open burning of waste in rural and urban areas to minimize air pollution. **Area Level Objectives** 1. To protect and enhance air quality in areas of natural beauty or recreational value, such as parks and reserves. 2. To manage air quality in areas with high traffic volumes or industrial activity to reduce exposure to air pollutants. 3. To ensure the protection of air quality in areas of significance to Māori, such as wāhi tapu and wāhi taonga. "
Sure, here are the proposed policies based on the provided objectives:
District Level Policies
Policy D1: Implement comprehensive air quality monitoring across all catchment areas, with a focus on areas identified with air pollution issues, to inform effective management and improvement strategies.
Policy D2: Enforce stringent emission standards for industrial activities and transport, employing best practices and technologies to minimize air pollution across the district.
Policy D3: Advocate for and support practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in line with national and international commitments, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, and carbon sequestration initiatives.
Policy D4: Develop and implement land use planning strategies that prioritize the protection of sensitive receptors, including residential areas, schools, and hospitals, from exposure to harmful air pollutants.
Zone Level Policies
Policy Z1: Require industries within industrial zones to adopt and maintain best practices for air pollution control and emissions reduction, including regular monitoring and reporting of air emissions.
Policy Z2: Encourage sustainable transport practices in urban zones such as the promotion of public transport, cycling, walking, and electric vehicle infrastructure, to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality.
Policy Z3: Promote the use of clean energy sources within all zoning categories, offering incentives for the installation and use of renewable energy systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Policy Z4: Strictly regulate open burning of waste in all zones, implementing waste management strategies that minimize air pollution and encourage recycling and composting.
Area Level Policies
Policy A1: Enforce strict air quality standards in areas of natural beauty or recreational value to maintain their ecological and aesthetic integrity.
Policy A2: Implement air quality management plans in areas with high traffic volumes or industrial activity to reduce exposure to air pollutants and ensure the health and well-being of local communities.
Policy A3: Recognize and respect Māori values and rights in air quality management, ensuring the protection of air quality in areas of significance to Māori, such as wāhi tapu and wāhi taonga.
Let's move on to the policies for the topic of 'Biodiversity' under the Natural Environment Chapter. Here is the outline we are working to (that you gave in a separate chat instance): "**Policies**: The policies should provide the course of action to achieve the objectives. This might involve policies on habitat protection and restoration, management of threats, use of native species in landscaping, biodiversity offsets, etc.". Please draft the policies that relate to the following objectives: "**District Level Objectives** 1. To protect, maintain and enhance the district's indigenous biodiversity, including terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. 2. To prevent and control the spread of invasive species that threaten indigenous biodiversity. 3. To ensure development and land use activities do not adversely affect significant habitats of indigenous flora and fauna. 4. To encourage community involvement and stewardship in biodiversity conservation efforts. **Zone Level Objectives** 1. To incorporate biodiversity considerations into land use planning and decision-making in all zones. 2. To ensure activities in industrial and commercial zones do not adversely affect nearby significant habitats. 3. To promote biodiversity-friendly practices in agricultural and rural zones, such as habitat restoration and sustainable farming practices. 4. To encourage urban biodiversity through initiatives like urban green spaces, community gardens, and tree planting. **Area Level Objectives** 1. To protect and enhance areas of significant indigenous biodiversity, such as reserves, wetlands, and areas of mature native forest. 2. To manage and restore habitats in areas affected by land degradation or habitat loss. 3. To respect and protect biodiversity in areas of significance to Māori, such as wāhi tapu and wāhi taonga. "
Sure, I can help draft policies based on these objectives. Here is a first attempt:
District Level Policies
1.1 Develop and implement a Biodiversity Strategy for the Kaipara District, setting out the actions required to protect, maintain, and enhance indigenous biodiversity across all ecosystems.
1.2 Implement an Invasive Species Management Plan to prevent, control and eradicate invasive species that threaten indigenous biodiversity.
1.3 Review land use planning and development proposals to ensure they do not adversely affect significant habitats of indigenous flora and fauna, applying avoidance, remediation, or mitigation measures as necessary.
1.4 Encourage community involvement in biodiversity conservation through educational programs, stewardship schemes, and partnerships with local environmental groups.
Zone Level Policies
2.1 Incorporate biodiversity assessments into land use planning and decision-making processes across all zones to identify and mitigate potential impacts on biodiversity.
2.2 Require industrial and commercial zones to conduct environmental impact assessments to ensure their activities do not adversely affect nearby significant habitats, and implement mitigation measures where necessary.
2.3 Promote sustainable farming practices in agricultural and rural zones, including habitat restoration, retention of native vegetation, and control of pest species.
2.4 Foster urban biodiversity through the development of urban green spaces, community gardens, and tree planting programs, and encourage the use of native species in landscaping.
Area Level Policies
3.1 Identify, map, and protect areas of significant indigenous biodiversity, such as reserves, wetlands, and areas of mature native forest, through mechanisms such as protective zoning or covenants.
3.2 Develop and implement habitat management and restoration plans for areas affected by land degradation or habitat loss, prioritising areas with high biodiversity value or potential.
3.3 Work in partnership with Māori to identify, respect, and protect biodiversity in areas of significance to Māori, such as wāhi tapu and wāhi taonga, in accordance with tikanga Māori and the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Let's move on to the policies for the topic of 'Coastal Environment' under the Natural Environment Chapter. Here is the outline we are working to (that you gave in a separate chat instance): "**Policies**: Policies to guide decision-making in order to meet the objectives. These could include policies on managing activities in the coastal environment, protecting and enhancing coastal ecosystems, managing coastal hazards and adapting to climate change, etc.". Please draft the policies that relate to the following objectives: " **District Level Objectives** 1. To protect and enhance the natural character, landscape, and biodiversity of the coastal environment. 2. To manage activities in the coastal environment to prevent adverse effects on water quality, ecosystems, and cultural and heritage sites. 3. To ensure public access to and along the coastal marine area is maintained and enhanced, where appropriate. 4. To recognize and provide for the cultural, historical, and spiritual significance of the coastal environment to Māori. **Zone Level Objectives** 1. To manage land use and development in coastal zones to avoid, remedy, or mitigate adverse effects on the natural character and cultural values of the coastal environment. 2. To ensure that coastal hazard risks are taken into account in all planning and development in coastal zones. 3. To promote sustainable use of coastal resources in commercial and recreational zones, such as fisheries and recreational areas. **Area Level Objectives** 1. To protect and restore areas of high natural character or significant ecological value in the coastal environment. 2. To manage human activities and development in areas of the coastal environment with significant cultural or heritage value. 3. To enhance public amenities and recreational opportunities in suitable areas of the coastal environment. "
Sure, based on these objectives, the policies for the topic of 'Coastal Environment' under the Natural Environment Chapter could be as follows:
District Level Policies
1.1: Implement measures that preserve and enhance the natural character, landscape, and biodiversity of the coastal environment, prioritizing conservation and rehabilitation where necessary.
1.2: Regulate and monitor activities in the coastal environment to prevent and mitigate adverse effects on water quality, ecosystems, and cultural and heritage sites.
1.3: Maintain and enhance public access to and along the coastal marine area where it is appropriate and does not adversely impact the coastal environment or cultural and heritage sites.
1.4: Acknowledge and protect the cultural, historical, and spiritual significance of the coastal environment to Māori through consultation and partnerships.
Zone Level Policies
2.1: Ensure that any land use and development in coastal zones is carried out in a manner that avoids, remedies, or mitigates adverse effects on the natural character and cultural values of the coastal environment.
2.2: Incorporate coastal hazard risk assessments into all planning and development in coastal zones and require that appropriate measures are taken to manage these risks.
2.3: Encourage and enforce sustainable practices in the use of coastal resources in commercial and recreational zones.
Area Level Policies
3.1: Identify and prioritize the protection and restoration of areas of high natural character or significant ecological value in the coastal environment.
3.2: Manage human activities and development in areas of the coastal environment with significant cultural or heritage value to prevent degradation and loss of these sites.
3.3: Enhance public amenities and recreational opportunities in suitable areas of the coastal environment without compromising the integrity of the coastal ecosystems or cultural and heritage sites.
Let's move on to the policies for the topic of 'Protection of Outstanding Natural Features and Landscapes' under the Natural Environment Chapter. Here is the outline we are working to (that you gave in a separate chat instance): "**Policies**: Policies that will guide decision-making in order to meet the objectives. These could include policies on managing activities in and around outstanding natural features and landscapes, preserving their natural character, and ensuring their resilience to climate change and other threats. ". Please draft the policies that relate to the following objectives: " **District Level Objectives** 1. To identify, protect, and enhance outstanding natural features and landscapes in the district. 2. To ensure activities and developments do not have significant adverse effects on the values of these natural features and landscapes. 3. To promote public awareness and appreciation of these features and landscapes. **Zone Level Objectives** 1. To manage land use and development in zones containing outstanding natural features and landscapes to maintain and enhance their values. 2. To facilitate public access and recreational opportunities in these zones, where appropriate, without compromising their natural values. 3. To ensure the potential impacts of climate change and natural hazards on these features and landscapes are taken into account in planning and development. **Area Level Objectives** 1. To protect and restore specific outstanding natural features and landscapes from inappropriate development and land use. 2. To encourage community stewardship and involvement in the management of these features and landscapes. 3. To incorporate the cultural, historical, and spiritual significance of these features and landscapes into their management."
[Finished browsing]
Here are the policies for the topic of 'Protection of Outstanding Natural Features and Landscapes' under the Natural Environment Chapter:
District Level Policies
Identify and map all outstanding natural features and landscapes within the district, taking into account their ecological, aesthetic, cultural, and geological values.
Ensure that all developments, activities, and land use changes within or adjacent to identified outstanding natural features and landscapes are subject to rigorous assessment processes to prevent significant adverse effects on their values.
Implement educational and informational programs to raise public awareness and appreciation of the district's outstanding natural features and landscapes, and to promote their protection and enhancement.
Zone Level Policies
Ensure that any land use or development proposals within zones containing outstanding natural features and landscapes are compatible with the preservation and enhancement of these features and landscapes.
Facilitate appropriate public access and recreational opportunities within these zones, ensuring that these activities do not compromise the natural values of the features and landscapes.
Incorporate climate change adaptation and resilience measures in the management of zones with outstanding natural features and landscapes, taking into account the potential impacts of climate change and natural hazards.
Area Level Policies
Implement strict development controls and land use regulations in specific areas with outstanding natural features and landscapes to protect and restore these areas from inappropriate development and land use.
Promote community stewardship and involvement in the management of these features and landscapes through initiatives such as community conservation programs and local management committees.
Recognize and incorporate the cultural, historical, and spiritual significance of these features and landscapes in their management and conservation plans.
Let's move on to the policies for the topic of 'Protection of Significant Indigenous Vegetation and Significant Habitats of Indigenous Fauna' under the Natural Environment Chapter. Here is the outline we are working to (that you gave in a separate chat instance): "**Policies**: Policies to guide decision-making to meet the objectives. These could include policies on managing activities that could impact these habitats, protection against habitat loss or degradation, maintaining and enhancing connectivity between habitats, and integrating biodiversity considerations in land use planning and decision-making.". Please draft the policies that relate to the following objectives: " **District Level Objectives** 1. To protect and enhance significant indigenous vegetation and habitats of indigenous fauna in the district. 2. To promote connectivity and ecological corridors between these significant areas. 3. To raise awareness and understanding of the value of indigenous biodiversity. **Zone Level Objectives** 1. To manage land use and development in zones containing significant indigenous vegetation and habitats of indigenous fauna to maintain and enhance their ecological values. 2. To facilitate public access and recreational opportunities in these zones, where appropriate, without compromising their natural values. 3. To ensure the potential impacts of climate change and natural hazards on these habitats are taken into account in planning and development. **Area Level Objectives** 1. To protect and restore specific areas of significant indigenous vegetation and habitats of indigenous fauna from inappropriate development and land use. 2. To encourage community stewardship and involvement in the management of these areas. 3. To incorporate the cultural, historical, and spiritual significance of these areas into their management."
Here are the policies for the topic of 'Protection of Significant Indigenous Vegetation and Significant Habitats of Indigenous Fauna' under the Natural Environment Chapter:
District Level Policies
Develop comprehensive strategies and guidelines for the identification, protection, and enhancement of significant indigenous vegetation and habitats of indigenous fauna within the district.
Ensure that land use planning and decision-making processes promote and maintain connectivity and ecological corridors between these significant areas.
Implement educational and informational programs to increase public awareness and understanding of the value of indigenous biodiversity and the importance of its conservation.
Zone Level Policies
Adopt stringent controls on land use and development within zones containing significant indigenous vegetation and habitats of indigenous fauna to safeguard their ecological values.
Where appropriate, provide for public access and recreational opportunities within these zones, ensuring that these activities do not degrade the natural values of these habitats.
Incorporate climate change adaptation and resilience measures in the management of these zones, considering potential impacts of climate change and natural hazards on these habitats.
Area Level Policies
Enforce robust development controls and land use regulations in specific areas containing significant indigenous vegetation and habitats of indigenous fauna to protect and restore these areas from inappropriate development and land use.
Foster community stewardship and involvement in the management of these areas through initiatives such as community conservation programs and local management committees.
Recognize and respect the cultural, historical, and spiritual significance of these areas in their management and conservation plans, collaborating with local iwi and hapū where relevant.
Let's move on to the policies for the topic of 'Protection of the Margins of Lakes and Rivers' under the Natural Environment Chapter. Here is the outline we are working to (that you gave in a separate chat instance): "**Policies**: Policies to guide decision-making towards the objectives. These could include policies on managing activities that could impact these margins (e.g., development, vegetation removal, earthworks), maintaining and enhancing riparian vegetation, and managing public access.". Please draft the policies that relate to the following objectives: " **District Level Objectives** 1. To protect and enhance the margins of lakes and rivers in the district to support ecological, recreational, and cultural values. 2. To manage activities and development in these areas to mitigate adverse impacts on water quality and habitat integrity. 3. To promote public access and enjoyment of lakes and rivers in a way that respects their natural values and the rights of property owners. **Zone Level Objectives** 1. To manage land use and development in zones containing the margins of lakes and rivers to maintain and enhance their ecological and aesthetic values. 2. To facilitate public access and recreational opportunities in these zones, where appropriate, without compromising their natural values. 3. To ensure the potential impacts of climate change and natural hazards on these margins are taken into account in planning and development. **Area Level Objectives** 1. To protect and restore specific areas of the margins of lakes and rivers from inappropriate development and land use. 2. To encourage community stewardship and involvement in the management of these areas. 3. To incorporate the cultural, historical, and spiritual significance of these areas into their management. "
[Finished browsing]
Based on the objectives you provided, here are the draft policies:
District Level Policies
Ensure that any development or activity within or adjacent to the margins of lakes and rivers is managed in a way that protects and enhances their ecological, recreational, and cultural values (D1).
Promote best management practices to mitigate adverse impacts on water quality and habitat integrity from activities and development in the margins of lakes and rivers (D2).
Support initiatives that provide public access to and enjoyment of lakes and rivers in a manner that respects their natural values and the rights of property owners (D3).
Zone Level Policies
Direct land use and development in zones containing the margins of lakes and rivers in a manner that preserves and enhances their ecological and aesthetic values (Z1).
Balance public access and recreational opportunities with the need to protect the natural values of the margins of lakes and rivers in these zones (Z2).
Incorporate climate change and natural hazard considerations into planning and development decisions affecting the margins of lakes and rivers (Z3).
Area Level Policies
Prevent inappropriate development and land use in specific areas of the margins of lakes and rivers to protect and restore these areas (A1).
Encourage community stewardship and participation in the management and protection of the margins of lakes and rivers (A2).
Integrate considerations of cultural, historical, and spiritual significance into the management of specific areas of the margins of lakes and rivers (A3).