ABSTRACT
The concepts of sustainability of resource use, burden of proof, the limitations of science, uncertainty and risk are at the core of the application of the precautionary principle in the management of living resources. This chapter will describe a particular example of a wildlife resource management programme that represents a clear case of the application of a precautionary approach in the way it addresses a range of uncertainties, sustainability, adaptive management and the burden of proof. In particular, the following discussion aims to demonstrate that, even with fragmentary knowledge, optimal, sustainable and conservative management can be achieved, and that this provides a much better management option than a total ban on the use of resources.
