4Plus

In summary, core elements of the policy agenda are:

• The balancing of inter - and intra-generational equity, providing for human needs now while conserving resources and opportunities for future generations;
• The elevation of protecting biodiversity and key ecological processes from marginal to high priority policy goals;
• Recognition of global dimensions and interdependences in environment and development issues;
• The integration of environmental, social and economic issues and policy, recognizing that issues of environment and development are indivisible (the ‘integration principle’);
• Adopting precautionary approaches in the absence of scientific certainty when serious or irreversible environmental degradation may occur (the ‘precautionary principle’);
• Addressing underlying (indirect) rather than only immediate (direct) causes of environmental and human degradation;
• The need to involve the broader community in policy debate and formulation and environmental management; and
• The need for new, innovative policy and management approaches, including incentive mechanisms, institutional change, and community-based approaches.