wise use of mires and peatlands - Peatland Ecology Research Group

126 FRAMEWORK FOR WISE USEAre the relevant concepts clear: is everyone talking the same language.Has adequate information been made publicly available.Has adequate public consultation taken place.Will the proposed intervention produce a greater advantage thannot intervening.Is the decision based on the best possible information.Have the implications for other entities and other parties indirectlyaffected been taken into account.Do all those participating in the decision acknowledge thatother valid points of view may exist.Will the proposed intervention result in its benefits being distributedequitably unless an unequal distribution would advantage theleast favoured.Is the intervention located where it will cause least impact -could it or should it be moved elsewhere.Is the proposed intervention limited to the minimum necessary.Will any damage consequent on the intervention be* prevented* controlled* reduced* repaired or* compensated for.Will the cost of these measures be borne by the responsible party.Is the user required to restore the mire/peatland after use to a wetland,a suo or a mire: or is alternative afteruse planned.Is the intervention consistent with the precautionary principle.Is the intervention adapted to the natural characteristics andconstraints of the mire or peatland.Is every effort being made to preserve the ecologicalprocesses necessary for the survival of species.Table 5/4. Checklist against the Guidance Principles - Elements to be considered whendecisions arise as to the use of a mire or peatland6. The principle of responsibility: Anydecision should take into account its effectson other individuals and entities. Decisionsat one level should reflect the interests ofother levels 16 .7. The principle of plurality: Participants in adecision should accept that cases can belooked at from different perspectives and thata pluralist stance can be the best means ofdealing with complex situations.