4.5 Introduction to Risk Assessment Methodology
Additional readings
Checklist to assist in making non-detriment findings for Appendix II exports:
PART III: 4.1 Methods for evaluating the sustainability of harvests for tropical mammals, Richard Bodmer and John Robinson, pp. 41-42.
PART III: 4.2 Managing the harvest of reptiles and amphibians for international trade, Peter Paul van Dijk, pp. 43-45.
Introduction to Risk Assessment Methodology
The non-detriment finding is essentially a science-based risk assessment*.
Indeed, during the International Expert Workshop on CITES Non-detriment Findings, held in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico, from 17 to 22 November 2008, most of the working groups took up the concept set out in the Secretariat's paper that non-detriment findings are, in effect, a type of risk analysis/assessment.Remember: A risk assessment is a way to determine quickly where effort is best directed so that the conservation status of Appendix II species in not harmed by exports. This step assesses how big the risk is that the impact will be damaging to the wild population. Based on the outcome, a Scientific Authority can identify cases that should be subject to a relatively high level of attention and where a precautionary approach is especially required. (CoP15 Inf. 3)**
Remember: Lack of scientific knowledge or scientific consensus should not necessarily be interpreted as indicating a particular level of risk, an absence of risk, or an acceptable risk.
*Very generally, risk assessment may be defined as the study and estimation of risk from a current or proposed activity (i.e., harvesting of a species). It involves estimates of the probability and consequence of an action (i.e., is such harvesting detrimental to the survival of the species in the wild?).
**International expert workshop on non-detriment findings Working Group Reports. This document was prepared by the Scientific Authority of Mexico, as chair of the workshop's international steering committee.