Every organ of state whose decisions or actions may affect biodiversity or the environment in the Province must apply the principles of ecological sustainability, which are to:-
(a) take account of the benefits and intrinsic and use value of natural resources and ecosystems;
(b) 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;
(c) promote the resilience of biodiversity, ecosystems and ecological infrastructure;
(d) ensure that development does not undermine the long-term persistence and resilience of biodiversity, ecosystems and ecological infrastructure;
(e) 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;
(f) avoid or, where they cannot altogether be avoided, minimise and remedy the disturbance of ecosystems and loss of biological diversity;
(g) 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
(h) 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.
