Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004 - SECT 5

PART 2 SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT

Principles of ecologically sustainable development

5. Principles of ecologically sustainable development



(1) In undertaking sustainable forest management in accordance with this Act,
regard is to be had to the principles of ecologically sustainable development
set out in this section.

(2) Ecologically sustainable development is development that improves the
total quality of life, both now and in the future, in a way that maintains the
ecological processes on which life depends.

(3) The objectives of ecologically sustainable development are-

   (a)  to enhance individual and community well-being and welfare by
        following a path of economic development that safeguards the welfare
        of future generations;

   (b)  to provide for equity within and between generations;

   (c)  to protect biological diversity and maintain essential ecological
        processes and life-support systems.

(4) The following are to be considered as guiding principles of ecologically
sustainable development-

   (a)  that decision making processes should effectively integrate both
        long-term and short-term economic, environmental, social and equity
        considerations;

   (b)  if there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage,
        lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for
        postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation;

   (c)  the need to consider the global dimension of environmental impacts of
        actions and policies;

   (d)  the need to develop a strong, growing and diversified economy which
        can enhance the capacity for environment protection;

   (e)  the need to maintain and enhance international competitiveness in an
        environmentally sound manner;

   (f)  the need to adopt cost effective and flexible policy instruments such
        as improved valuation, pricing and incentive mechanisms;

   (g)  the need to facilitate community involvement in decisions and actions
        on issues that affect the community.