How Useful are the Concepts of Familiarity, Biological Integrity, and Ecosystem Health for Evaluating Damages by GM Crops? |
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Authors: | Ulrich Heink Robert Bartz Ingo Kowarik |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Ecology, Technical University Berlin, Rothenburgstr. 12, 12165 Berlin, Germany |
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Abstract: | In the discussion about consequences of the release of genetically modified (GM) crops, the meaning of the term “environmental
damage” is difficult to pin down. We discuss some established concepts and criteria for understanding and evaluating such
damages. Focusing on the concepts of familiarity, biological integrity, and ecosystem health, we argue that, for the most
part, these concepts are highly ambiguous. While environmental damage is mostly understood as significant adverse effects
on conservation resources, these concepts may not relate directly to effects on tangible natural resources but rather to parameters
of land use or ecological processes (e.g., the concept of biological integrity). We stress the importance of disclosing the
normative assumptions underlying damage concepts and procedures for the evaluation of damages by GM crops. A conceptualization
of environmental damage should precede its operationalization. We recommend an unambiguous definition for damage developed
earlier and recommend that evaluation criteria be based on this. However, a general damage definition cannot replace case-specific
operationalization of damage, which remains an important future challenge. |
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