THE PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE PROJECT

ONLINE CONSULTATION

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Re: Guideline 1: is a principle a tool?

From: Rob Cozens
Affiliation: Ocean Wilderness Network
Remote Name: compression03.oak.mdsg-pacwest.com
Time: 16:17:00 +0100

Comments

After referring to Funk & Wagnalls, I must agree that a principal, strategy, or approach does not fit the definition of "tool"; however, I can't say I've seen any specific instance where referal to a set of management principles or guidelines as "tools" obfuscated the purpose for which that description was invoked. The Explanatory Memorandum (Rev.1) Motion on “The Precautionary Approach in Environmental Governance”'s statement, "There is a clear and urgent need to develop clarification and shared understanding of the meaning and implementation of what a precautionary approach can and should be" implies to me the proposition that semantics is a major impediment in implementing precautionary principles. The reality, in my opinion, is that people & organizations who perceive precautionary principles to be counter to what they believe to be their best interests will continue to attempt to redefine the term as it suits them, regardless of the widely-held definitions agreed upon by others. The above comments are a statement of my personal viewpoint, and may not necessarily represent the views of Ocean Wildnreness Network's Executive Committee and/or OWN's nine constituant organizations.