6. Prevent harm as the best method of environmental protection and, when knowledge is limited, apply a precautionary approach.

• Take action to avoid the possibility of serious or irreversible environmental harm even when scientific knowledge is incomplete or inconclusive.
• Place the burden of proof on those who argue that a proposed activity will not cause significant harm, and make the responsible parties liable for environmental harm. 
• Ensure that decision making addresses the cumulative, long-term, indirect, long distance, and global consequences of human activities. 
• Prevent pollution of any part of the environment and allow no build-up of radioactive, toxic, or other hazardous substances. 
• Avoid military activities damaging to the environment. (Corcoran, P.B., Vilela, M., & Roerink, A.(Eds.), 2005, p. 64)