Appendix Two
Precautionary Principle Project Guidelines
The Precautionary Principle Project was a major international project, which released guidelines following a process of broad consultation with a wide range of parties. They were developed for biodiversity conservation and natural resource management[21].
- Explicit incorporation of the principle into legislation and policy, and establishment of adequately resourced institutions to carry out research into risk and uncertainty in environmental decision-making.
- Recognition that the principle must be balanced against other relevant principles, such as intergenerational equity, and basic human rights.
- Development of operational measures for specific policy areas that identify concrete actions to be taken in specific contexts but permit flexibility when circumstances change.
- A transparent process of assessment, decision-making and implementation based on broad public participation and the best available information (scientific and non-scientific).
- Assessment of the threats and the environmental, economic and social uncertainties.
- Identification and assessment of options, including various courses of action and inaction and their likely consequences (including any potential risks).
- Allocation of responsibilities for providing information and evidence of threat or safety, usually, but not always, involving a reversal of the burden of proof.
- Clear communication of the precautionary measures being undertaken and their basis.
- Proportionality, taking into account economic and social costs of measures.
- Equity in the distribution of economic and social costs.
- Adaptive management, involving monitoring, research, periodic evaluation and review, and efficient and effective compliance.
Notes
- [21]Refer Cooney and Dickson (2005) “Guidelines for applying the precautionary principle to biodiversity conservation and natural resource management.” Appendix to Chapter 18, 299-305.
