A new version of WSIE (Waikato Integrated Scenario Explorer), the spatially explicit simulation model of the Waikato Region has been released in January 2012. WISE version 1.2.0 features a number of improvements identified and prioritised by the WISE partners to enhance its performance and capability. A key new feature is the addition of a ‘Forestry Carbon Sector’ that assists the development and implementation of the Waikato Regional Council’s Carbon Strategy. This strategy aims to achieve better environmental outcomes benefitting from carbon credits issued by New Zealand’s Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) by planting trees on marginal farm land (e.g. steep, erosion-prone land). Targeted co-benefits include biodiversity, water quality and hydrological flow improvements.
Planned enhancements for the next update of WISE include improved transport and infrastructure functionality and adding coastal/marine and ecosystem services models.
The Creating Futures website has recently been reviewed and redesigned to reflect the change from a research project to the use of the tools developed through the project. The new site illustrates the application and further development of the tools using examples and practical case studies.
Read here for a list of the most recent publications, reports and presentations produced by the Creating Futures research team.
A short video about the spatial planning tool WISE, the Waikato Integrated Scenario Explorer, has been released. Click here to view...