Members of the ISZS－Bioethics Working Group
	International Society of Zoological Sciences Bioethics Working Group Introduction: The outcomes of this Special ISZS Bioethics Workshop are to form the basis of our input into the COMEST submission to UNESCO in March 2005. There is opportunity for your or your institute's input/comment over the period up to November 1st, 2004. If you wish to have input, or to be aware of developments, please contact Professor John Buckeridge, President of the ISZS and Chair of IUBS Bioethics Committee (john.buckeridge@aut.ac.nz) or Dr. Yan Xie, Secretary of the ISZS (xieyan@public3.bta.net.cn). A database of interested ISZS Members is being maintained. Unless specified as otherwise, a response to this invitation will be taken as consent to have your details on our database. International Society of Zoological Sciences Workshop on Environmental Ethics Beijing, August 25th, 2004 Outcomes Attendance: ISZS delegates, representing Hong Kong, China, United Kingdom, Kenya, United States of America, India, Japan, France, New Zealand. Discussion on the Definition: The tabled definition (1) was discussed, it was considered that although it conveyed the basic philosophy of environmental ethics, it could be strengthened. Further options are provided below (2) and (3): (1) A philosophy where humanity is taken as part of (rather than separate from) nature, and where humans adopt a r?le of environmental stewardship through which they do not needlessly exploit or destroy organisms. (2) A philosophy where humanity is taken as part of (rather than separate from) nature, and where humans adopt a responsible, compassionate and empathic environmental stewardship through which they do not needlessly exploit or destroy organisms. (3) A philosophy where humanity is taken as part of (rather than separate from) nature, and where humans adopt a responsible, compassionate and empathic environmental stewardship through which they do not needlessly exploit or destroy organisms or the habitats that sustain them. Specifics: The following issues were considered Sustainability Human rights Human dignity Animal rights Rights of invertebrates Rights of "higher" vertebrates Rights of "lower" vertebrates Rights of laboratory animals Relationship between self determination (of humans), poverty, rights (to exploit the environment) "Rights" The concept of "animal rights" as a term in any norms was generally opposed, primarily because many view "animal rights" as synonymous with activism and violence. "Nature" should not be viewed as a "moral agent"… i.e. if rights require accountability then nature has no rights in a human sense. "Cultural Sensitivity" any universal norms must take into account cultural values. There was considerable debate about Japanese pursuit of whaling, (from a cultural perspective) "Culling vs Sport Hunting" It was agreed that there is a need for culling, but there was little support for recreational hunting - i.e., hunting not driven by a need to provide food. It was emphasized that humans need to kill to survive. Concluding Comments: There was agreement that it would be folly to attempt to impose universal norms such as a ban on eating meat. It was agreed that we should adopt norms (or protocols) that will be endorsable, and ultimately enforceable. There may be a need to phase in certain protocols, (i.e. to co-ordinate with extensive education) The meeting closed at 1300 hours.