Principle 6: Ecosystems must be managed within
the limits of their functioning.
Rationale:
In considering the likelihood or ease of attaining the
management objectives, attention should be given to
the environmental conditions that limit natural
productivity, ecosystem structure, functioning and
diversity. The limits to ecosystem functioning may be
affected to different degrees by temporary,
unpredictable or artificially maintained conditions and,
accordingly, management should be appropriately
cautious