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Uncertainty, ecology, sustainability and policy
Citation
Dovers, SR and Norton, TW and Handmer, JW, Uncertainty, ecology, sustainability and policy, Biodiversity and Conservation, 5, (10) pp. 1143-1167. ISSN 0960-3115 (1996) [Refereed Article]
Abstract
Using an Australian focus to explore theoretical and policy issues of wider concern, this article examines linkages between public policy and the science of ecology. This is done within the broader framework of sustainability, emphasizing the problem of decision making in the face of 'uncertainty'. Insights from the ecological, risk, sustainability and policy literatures are used. The sustainability-uncertainty problem is characterized, and the adequacy of existing policy support techniques and approaches noted, particularly the precautionary principle. The problem is further defined using the notion of ignorance. The treatment of ignorance and uncertainty in ecology is discussed. We suggest that the science of ecology has had a limited influence on policy formulation and discuss the basis of this using biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management as examples. We conclude by considering challenges for handling risk, uncertainty and ignorance in ecological science for policy formulation. We emphasize the need for improved communication between the science and policy communities, greater recognition of the limits of quantitative techniques in addressing uncertainty, and contingency planning.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Research Division: | Agricultural, Veterinary and Food Sciences |
Research Group: | Forestry sciences |
Research Field: | Forestry sciences not elsewhere classified |
Objective Division: | Plant Production and Plant Primary Products |
Objective Group: | Other plant production and plant primary products |
Objective Field: | Other plant production and plant primary products not elsewhere classified |
UTAS Author: | Norton, TW (Professor Tony Norton) |
ID Code: | 44914 |
Year Published: | 1996 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 44 |
Deposited By: | Agricultural Science |
Deposited On: | 2007-06-27 |
Last Modified: | 2011-09-27 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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