Policy 3: Precautionary approach

Introduction

Read policy three about the precautionary approach, from the NZ Coastal Policy Statement 2010 publication.
  1. Adopt a precautionary approach towards proposed activities whose effects on the coastal environment are uncertain, unknown, or little understood, but potentially significantly adverse.
  2. In particular, adopt a precautionary approach to use and management of coastal resources potentially vulnerable to effects from climate change, so that:
    1. avoidable social and economic loss and harm to communities does not occur;
    2. natural adjustments for coastal processes, natural defences, ecosystems, habitat and species are allowed to occur; and
    3.  the natural character, public access, amenity and other values of the coastal environment meet the needs of future generations.
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