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PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE The precautionary principle states that when there is reasonable suspicion of harm, lack of scientific certainty or consensus must not be used to postpone preventative action. The precautionary principle is actually part and parcel of sound science. Science is an active knowledge system in which new discoveries are made almost every day. Scientific evidence is always incomplete and uncertain. The responsible use of scientific evidence, therefore, is to set precaution (ISIS, 2000). The Precautionary Principle applies particularly in the case of endangered species where the consequences of uncertainty are great, and in the case of altering the habitat of small populations subject to metapopulation dynamics where the risk is great. "Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation. In the application of the precautionary principle, public and private decisions should be guided by: (1) careful evaluation to avoid, wherever practicable, serious or irreversible damage to the environment; and (2) an assessment of the risk-weighted consequences of various options" (The Intergovernmental Agreement on the Environment, May 1992, quoted in Deville and Harding, 1997, p13). The precautionary
principle is a principle on which to base decisions. It is a principle
for assigning the burden of proof, similar to the assumption that a defendant
is assumed innocent until proven guilty 'beyond reasonable doubt'. This
important rule reflects society's view that convicting the innocent is
far worse than acquitting the guilty. This requires a jury to weigh up
the evidence, and decide what constitutes 'reasonable doubt'. When referring to decisions made in respect to conservation it means that habitats and species should be left alone unless a strong unequivocal argument can be made for any impact. It is up to the proponents of the impact to argue their case and have it accepted as beneficial. Those opposing change do not have to present an argument to maintain their case, outside that of the precautionary principle. In making decisions concerning the use of the precautionary principle the principle of parsimony (simplicity) is useful. This principle is often referred to as Occam's Razor. The Principle of Parsimony or principle of simplicity; 'One should always choose the simplest explanation of a phenomenon, the one that requires the fewest leaps of logic, or, Given a choice between two explanations, choose the simplest -- the explanation which requires the fewest assumptions'. References: Mae Wan Ho (ISIS Paper,
October 31, 2000; http://www.biotech-info.net/PP_coherent.html) "Use and Abuse of the Precautionary Principle" by Peter Saunders, ISIS News#6 www.i-sis.org |
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