Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2013C00288:reg:2:p2
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2013C00288
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2 (pt 2/2)
Character Range: 1151240–1152402

(ANZECC & ARMCANZ 2000).

This risk-based process is inextricably linked to the principles of ecologically sustainable development (ESD). ESD aims to protect biodiversity and maintain ecological processes and functions and it is a central paradigm to both Australian and international environmental regulations and policies. However, it is also acknowledged that all human activity impacts on the environment and hence it is not possible to protect all species, processes and functions. Rather, it is necessary to manage the risks associated with various human activities in order to achieve the goals of ESD.

In this way, we recognise that we aim towards protecting the vast majority of, but not all, species from the harmful effect of contaminants. The assumption here is that protecting the majority of species (the structure of ecosystems) will enable the functions conducted by the ecosystems (for example, nutrient cycling, leaf litter degradation) to be maintained. The actual percentage of species that are protected is a policy decision. Human health risk assessment uses a similar approach as it aims to protect not every human, but the vast majority.