The precautionary principle & the problem of social equity
The precautionary principle is often used to secure the management of natural resources. When scientific knowledge and uncertainty prevails it is recommended to implement this approach in order to avoid hazardous effects on the environment as well as to reduce risk. It appears to be a guide for decision makers to take effective decisions on natural resource conservation and management and to consider intergenerational as well as intergenerational outcomes of resource exploitation. Nevertheless, due to the fact that uncertainty prevails, decisions can be taken favouring one party and causing detrimental effects. Hence, the misuse of this principle, either because of ignorance or due to hidden motivations, has often contributed to the deterioration of its legitimacy.
Even though this concept was created “in parallel” with the concept of sustainable development it is far from clear whether it fosters its promotion at all times. It is essential to bear in mind the fact that the consequences of implementing the precautionary principle may not be equally distributed. This means that the poor may be the most affected by the application of this principle as opposed to the more powerful. A wide range of enterprises aimed at making profit have been interrupted as a result of the implementation of the precautionary principle. Hence, the use of the precautionary principle has helped to cut down their activities, reducing their possible future environmental impact. Nonetheless, it needs to be taken into account that such type of organizations are well equipped to deal with the problems that may spurn in relation with this principle.
The problem comes when the application of this concept results in social costs exacerbating the already existing social inequalities. In the developing world, and especially the rural poor are extremely dependent on natural resources. These people often are the ones bearing the costs of the implementation of conservation strategies under the umbrella of the precautionary principle. Economic losses, economic opportunities, land resources, and a restriction in their livelihoods options are examples of some of the burdens that they have to be facing.
Therefore, a study should be made before implementing this principle in relation to who bears costs and who gains benefits. In order for the precautionary principle to contribute to the sustainable management of natural resources and not to be considered as an obstacle for achieving sustainable development, special attention should be drawn to the fact of who can afford it. This hence implies value judgments, which may be seen as problematic and not equitable for some.
This is challenging merely because policy makers often misunderstand the value of natural resources and the conservation of biodiversity. When trying to promote the development of a country, community or area, to foster growth they tend to follow policies that end up causing severe social and environmental costs that in principle were trying to avoid. For this reason, it is essential to settle some clearer guidelines on how and when this principle should be implemented.
Sources:
http://data.iucn.org/dbtw-wpd/edocs/PGC-002.pdf
http://www.fao.org/docrep/003/w1238E/W1238E01.htm#ch1.1.4
http://www.environmentalcommons.org/staging/precaution-debating.pdf
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03 Feb 2014
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inescamarero
IMSD /
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