The following are the principles of ecological sustainability which should be taken into account by an organ of state whose decisions or actions may affect biodiversity or the environment in the Province:-
- take account of the benefits and intrinsic and use value of natural resources and ecosystems;
- ensure that biodiversity and ecosystems are protected, maintained and rehabilitated in a manner that enables the attainment of biodiversity targets for conservation set by the Province;
- promote the resilience of biodiversity, ecosystems and ecological infrastructure;
- ensure that development does not undermine the long-term persistence and resilience of biodiversity, ecosystems and ecological infrastructure;
- ensure that the conservation and resilience of biodiversity for the benefit of present and future generations are given priority over the interests of any member or members of any community;
- avoid or, where they cannot altogether be avoided, minimise and remedy the disturbance of ecosystems and loss of biological diversity;
- ensure that indigenous biological resources are used in a manner that is ecologically sustainable, and takes into account the well-being of any faunal biological resource involved; and
- ensure that a risk-averse and cautious approach is applied, so that where there is insufficient evidence that an activity will not cause a long-term adverse effect, it should be avoided.
