Precautionary principle

Usually refers to caution in action. More specifically it is a constitutional principle, included in the Environmental Charter (Article 5): "When the occurrence of any damage, although uncertain in current scientific knowledge, may be so serious and irreversible for the environment, public authorities shall, by application of the precautionary principle and in their areas of responsibilities, develop procedures for risk assessment and take provisional and proportionate measures to preclude the occurrence of the damage".