wise use of mires and peatlands - Peatland Ecology Research Group

120 FRAMEWORK FOR WISE USECHAPTER 5.FRAMEWORK FOR WISE USEChapter 3 outlined the values and uses of mires and peatlands. Chapter 4 described theorigins and types of conflicts. This chapter sets out a Framework within which conflictsbetween different values and uses of mires and peatlands can be resolved.5.1 INTRODUCTIONWise Use of peatlands can be described asthe uses of peatlands for which reasonablepeople now and in the future will not attributeblame. This document sets out to provide acontext for, and parameters within which,Wise Use decisions can be taken in relationto mires and peatlands. It proposes aFramework for the Wise Use of Mires andPeatlands.The development of such a Framework muststart from values, as outlined in Chapter 3.This proposed Framework is based on theanthropocentric premise that human beingshave intrinsic moral value, the premise onwhich the Universal Declaration of HumanRights is based. Accepting the definition that“Sustainable development” is seeking to meet“the needs of the present withoutcompromising the ability of futuregenerations to meet their own needs 1 ” theseGuidelines attach intrinsic moral value tohuman beings in the future. They are furtherbased on the statement that “Human beingsare at the centre of concerns for sustainabledevelopment 2 .”Chapter 3 described the values and functionsof mires and peatlands. Chapter 4 outlinedthe types of conflict which can arise. Inparticular conflicts arise between■ different positions with respect to intrinsicmoral values,■ the interests of human beings now andhuman beings in the future, and■ the different preferences of different people.The rational resolution of such conflictsinvolves a structured framework for theexamination of all the elements relating to aconflict or a decision concerning mires orpeatlands.The proposed Framework includes twostages:1. The arrival at a decision in principle throughanswering the series of questionscontained in the decision tree in Tables 5/1and 5/2 as summarised in Figure 5/2, andby examining the application of a numberof general considerations (§5.3) to thesituation;2. The examination of the decision in principleto see if its implementation■ will be consistent with a series of guidanceprinciples (§5.4);- which in turn may be modified by time andplace (§5.5); and■ will involve the use of instruments inarriving at or implementing the decision(§5.6).