Table 1.
Relevant factors for the ethical analysis of conservation ARTs.
| Group | Factors to be investigated | Examples of associated questions |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Context of the procedure | • Goals of the project • Values conveyed by the project's goals • Feasibility of the project |
• What are the goals of the project? • Have success criteria been clearly defined? • How reasonable are the chances of success of the project according to these criteria? • What is the conservation value of the project? • What other values are brought forward by the project? • In case of failure, would the project still lead to some kind of advancement (ecological, scientific, social, etc.)? |
| 2. Role of the procedure in the project | • Value of the procedure for the project • Effectiveness |
• What purpose does the procedure serve in the project? • Is the success of the procedure a key part of the project? • Can there be alternatives in case of failure of the procedure? • Is it the most effective way to perform the task assigned? • Have alternatives been considered? • How has the procedure been chosen? |
| 3. Value of the procedure beyond the project | • Scientific value • Conservation value • Animal welfare value • Social value |
• What is the scientific value of performing the procedure? • Can it lead to scientific and technological improvements? • Does it establish or refine protocols that could be employed in other biodiversity conservation projects? • Can carrying out the procedure have a positive impact on the welfare of the animals involved? • Can it have a positive social effect of some kind, for example by promoting knowledge transfer or capacity building? |
| 4. Risks and costs of the procedure | • Known risks of the procedure, and their distribution • Costs of failure of the procedure • Negative side-effects of the procedure in case of success |
• What are the known risks of performing the procedure? • On who do they fall? • Can the procedure harm the welfare of the animals involved? • Does it put at risk their lives? • Are there risks for people? • What could be the repercussion in case of failure? • Are there any negative side-effects to consider in case of success? |
| 5. Views on the procedure | • Public opinion's views on the procedure • Conservationists' views on the procedure |
• Does the procedure raise public concerns? • Are there any groups that particularly oppose it? • Why? • How does the procedure match or challenge the various existing perspectives on biodiversity conservation? |