British Government Panel on sustainable development : second report, January 1996.

  • Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Date:
1996
Catalogue details

Licence: Open Government Licence

Credit: British Government Panel on sustainable development : second report, January 1996. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    including the potential effects on other species and ecosystems, and changes in land use; @ the development and use of long-term monitoring systems for experimental and impacts of GMOs to be better understood and controlled; @ the dissemination of information to the public both on the potential adverse effects of GMOs and on the ways in which careful use of GMOs with appropriate safeguards could bring benefits. from the use of new technologies (such as CFCs, asbestos, pesticides and thalidomide). Potential consequences are more uncertain where self-replicating organisms are introduced into the environment. The Panel recommends that before significant commercial releases of GMOs take place, the Government should consider with relevant bodies within the European Union what systems of impact appraisal could be formulated, what the ground rules for liability should be in the event of damage resulting from the release of GMOs, and whether emergency procedures in the event of unforeseen adverse consequences could be developed. Forestry “The United Kingdom’s forestry policy is based on the ... fundamental tenet that forests and forest lands should be sustainably managed to meet the social, economic, ecological, cultural and spiritual human needs of present and future generations.” [para.5.1] (Cm 2429). January 1994. “The Government is committed to a policy of setting multiple objectives for forestry. This means that the UK’s forests are valued not only for their commercial potential but also for recreation, nature conservation and landscape enhancement. Forestry also has a part to play as a significant carbon sink.” [para.16.2] (Cm 2426). January 1994. significant in economic, environmental and social terms. More clearly than in many other sectors of the economy, forestry can demonstrate what is meant by sustainable development. But these values and the commitment to sustainable development cannot be translated into practice except within a strategic framework. A national strategy would give a geographical dimension to multiple policy objectives and help to integrate forestry with other land uses. In many ways the distinction between forestry and agricultural products is becoming blurred. Just as subsidies for agriculture should take better account of environmental considerations, so also should
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