The Latvian Fund for Nature introduces the principle “Do No Significant Harm”

This summer, the Latvian Fund for Nature will launch a new project focused on promoting the application, implementation, and monitoring of the “Do No Significant Harm” principle.

The “Do No Significant Harm” principle, adopted by the European Union, mandates that policies, projects, and practices across various sectors are developed and executed with careful consideration of their environmental impact. It requires that actions do not cause excessive harm to the environment, thereby ensuring sustainable development and ethical responsibility. By adhering to this principle, organizations and governments can better safeguard natural resources and foster long-term sustainability, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future.

What does the principle of “Do No Significant Harm” entail? It encompasses six key indicators that together form its core framework. First, activities should not lead to significant increases in greenhouse gas emissions. Second, activities should not counteract efforts aimed at preserving climate, nature and natural resources. The principle also ensures that water quality is maintained, does not cause significant harm to circular economy practices, avoids substantial pollution of air, water, and soil, and does not pose a significant threat to biodiversity, including ecosystems, habitats, and species. When assessing the principle, it’s crucial to ensure that none of these environmental aspects cause a significant impact on the environment during the implementation of projects funded by the European Union.

Latvian environmental organizations, including the Latvian Fund for Nature, the “Green Liberty”, and the World Wildlife Fund, advocate for enhancing the practical application of the “Do No Significant Harm” principle. Their plan involves developing recommendations to refine the methodology and monitoring procedures, as well as strengthening the capabilities of a broad range of environmental organizations in environmental monitoring.