Appendix Guidelines for Applying the Precautionary Principle to Biodiversity Conservation and Natural Resource Management

doi:10.4324/9781849770583-57

Chapter

Appendix Guidelines for Applying the Precautionary Principle to Biodiversity Conservation and Natural Resource Management

ABSTRACT

The uncertainty surrounding potential threats to the environment has frequently been used as a reason to avoid taking action to protect the environment. However, it is not always possible to have clear evidence of a threat to the environment before the damage occurs. Precaution – the ‘Precautionary Principle’ or ‘Precautionary Approach’ – is a response to this uncertainty.