Environmental Values Environmental Values
Environmental Values 5(1996): 257-264. doi: 10.3197/096327196776679294
The application of the precautionary principle to an area of environmental protection, such as nature conservation, requires commitment to the idea that full scientific proof of a causal link between a potentially damaging operation and a long term environmental impact is not required. Adoption of the principle in Government statements related to sustainable development should therefore be seen in this context. The paper addresses the particular case of marine fish farming in Scotland where the principle was advocated but not upheld in practice. In the light of this experience there is a need for educators and philosophers, ethicists and concerned scientists to ensure that the principle is more widely interpreted and understood.
KEYWORDS: Nature conservation, sustainable development, international law, technology assessment
REFERENCES to other articles in Environmental Values:
Nature Conservation and the Voluntary Principle. John M. Francis
The Precautionary Principle in Contemporary Environmental Politics. Timothy O'Riordan and Andrew Jordan
CITATIONS in other Environmental Values articles:
The Challenge of Scientific Uncertainty and Disunity in Risk Assessment and Management of GM Crops. Anne Ingeborg Myhr
Reprints of this article can be ordered from the British Library Document
Supply Service or ingenta
Contact the publishers for subscriptions and back numbers of Environmental Values.
THE WHITE HORSE PRESS
1 Strond
ISLE OF HARRIS, HS5 3UD
Tel: +44 1859 520204