TABE ROBERT TAKU JUNIOR

CM-UDS-19ASA1471

FASA III: PRODUCTION VEGETALES

ETHICS AND DEVELOPEMENT

INTRODUCTION

The precautionary principle is a philosophical notion introduced to varying degrees

in national and international charters and conventions. It is the Rio de Janeiro convention of
1992 which will formally confirm its merits by ratifying it. While there is no universally
accepted definition of it, this principle is now put forward by most European states in the
fields of environment and health. The precautionary was born at the end of the sixties, thanks,
among others, to the German philosopher H. Jonas.

The precautionary principle states that despite the lack of certainty, at a given
moment, due to a lack of technical, scientific or economic knowledge, it is necessary to take
anticipatory risk management measures with regard to the potential damage to the
environment. and health. In the following lines, this principle will be related to the field of
study involved which is Agronomy.
 Precautionary Principle in Agriculture

In order to protect consumers and the soil for Future generations (sustainable
development), even more and following numerous cases, the precautionary principle has
shifted towards the risks incurred on health and food: GMOs, bovine spongiform
encephalitis, contaminated blood are some examples. International law also provides for the
application of precautionary sanitary and phytosanitary measures in the event that scientific
evidence is incontestable.

Application of the precautionary principle

The application of the precautionary principle must not result from arbitrary decisions but
must meet specific criteria:

 it should only be possible in the event of a risk; i.e., when a significant threshold of
severity is reached.
 its implementation must be preceded by an objective risk assessment. This study
must, for each step, define the level of scientific uncertainty.
 the scientific results must be made public and all parties concerned must be able to
carry out additional studies in full transparency, and then to consider all the
management options.
 an assessment of the risk and the repercussions on the decision not to act must be
made.

Principles of good risk management also apply:

 non-discrimination in the implementation of measures.

 the existence of a proportionality between the measures taken and the protection
expected.
 the existence of cohesion between the measures taken and similar cases that have
already arisen.
 a questioning of the measures taken in the event of scientific development. The
precautionary principle can therefore only be temporary.
  a benefit and cost analysis to consider risk reduction to an acceptable level for all
parties.

Knowing how to measure the threat makes it possible to apply the principles of prudence,
prevention or precaution wisely.

Opposition to the precautionary principle

The precautionary principle has a number of negative repercussions:

 it prevents innovation in agriculture and creates distortions of competition. The

supporters of the abolition of this principal recall that a number of inventions would
not have taken place if this principle had then existed (inventions of antibiotics,
vaccines, etc.);
 it hinders international economic exchanges;
 it allows politicians to shirk their responsibilities and gives them discretionary power;
 he makes arbitrary decisions;
 it can limit the freedom of citizens, consumers or agricultural businesses.

CONCLUSION

To conclude, in Agriculture it is necessary to be able to asses precautionary measures

so as to increase or maintain a certain output result why taken into consideration the well-
being of the consumers vis a vis their health, in this light despite all criticism carried out on
this principle, when carrying out an agricultural activity an taking into consideration this
principle sustainable development is assured.