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Statement of purpose
The following charter
states the Council's purpose and objectives, guiding principles,
and policy on the release of genetically modified organisms.
Statement of Purpose
Guiding Principles
The Sustainability Council's purpose and
objectives are to:
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Assist the realisation
of a sustainable New Zealand |
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Protect and enhance New
Zealand's ecosystems, the health of New Zealanders, and
the nation's ability to derive income from established
land uses. |
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Undertake research into issues related
to the sustainable development of New Zealand for example,
genetic modification.
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Provide information to assist
well-informed and effective community participation
in decision-making on issues related to sustainability.
The Council is independent of any political party, company
or other organisation.
*Sources
below
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Guiding Principles
Sustainable
Development:
"Development meeting the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their
own needs."
Biodiversity:
"The genetic variability on the earth shall not be compromised;
the population levels of all life forms must be at least sufficient
for their survival, and to this end necessary habitats shall
be safeguarded."
Precautionary
Principle:
"Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage,
lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason
for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental
degradation."
Burden of
Proof:
"Activities which are likely to pose a significant risk
to nature shall be preceded by an exhaustive examination;
their proponents shall demonstrate that expected benefits
outweigh potential damage to nature, and where potential adverse
effects are not fully understood, the activities should not
proceed."
Polluter
Pays:
"Operators of potentially risky activities who cause
environmental damage shall be held responsible for restoring
the damage caused, or made to pay for the restoration."
* Our Common Future, Bruntland Commission,
1987
* The World Charter for Nature, I.
General Principles, II
* The United Nations Rio Declaration on
Environment and Development, 1992, Principle 15
* The World's Charter for Nature, I.
General Principles, 11 (b)
* Making the Polluter Pay, European
COmmission press statement, Brussells, 23 January 2002
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