SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

Progress Report on  2001-2003 Strategy

Annex A: Sustainable Development Principles

The following principles have helped to guide the application of sustainable development at DFO.

Integrated Decision Making

Integrated decision making recognizes that decisions aimed at sustainable development:

• have a long-term focus that seeks to preserve and enhance economic, social and natural capital to sustain aquatic species and to improve the quality of people's lives and ensure continuing benefits for future generations;
• take a horizontal perspective that incorporates economic, environmental and social aspects;
• feature an ecosystem approach; and
• accept shared responsibility and commit to transparency and communication of how and why decisions were made.

Accountability

The Department will accept and define its accountability for its role in supporting sustainable development. This means that the SDS will:

• develop a management system to review performance against commitments at regular intervals and thereby document progress and the need for corrective action as necessary to ensure continuous improvement;
• determine the specific real world expected outcomes to be achieved in a way that is measurable and time-bound;
• define a reporting framework that is committed to and supportive of consultative and transparent operations and decision making;
• set an example as a way of encouraging and influencing clients, stakeholders and partners to support decisions aimed at sustainable development;
• outline the Department's accountability in its operational activities for compliance, for instance, with standards and requirements for fishing activities, environmental protection and prevention of pollution; and
• reaffirm a commitment to partnering in our relations not only with our private-sector stakeholders and members of the public but also with other federal government departments, other levels of government and Aboriginal groups.

Science and Knowledge

The Department understands the essential knowledge provided by science and the critical role that knowledge and understanding play in making decisions that are sustainable over time. Therefore, as a basis for its decisions, the Department will -

• be guided by a precautionary approach and risk analysis, recognizing the limitations of our understanding of oceans-related sciences;
• provide timely, reliable and best available scientific knowledge, understanding and advice on key aquatic resources and ecosystems;
• complement and integrate scientific knowledge and understanding with community and traditional knowledge; and
• integrate and share information and data to enhance cost-effective decisions based on anticipation and prevention of problems, in part through conducting strategic environmental assessments of policies, plans and programs in accordance with the 1999 Cabinet Directive.