SUSTAINABLE FORESTS (TIMBER) ACT 2004 - SECT 5 Principles of ecologically sustainable development
SUSTAINABLE FORESTS (TIMBER) ACT 2004 - SECT 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.