Introduction
Complexity
Todays world is very complex and our society is confronted with a new type of large-scale risks that have trans-boundary impacts and ripple effects beyond the original impacts. The OECD has referred to these risks as systemic risks (OECD, 2000 Emerging Systemic Risks. First Meeting of the Steering Group. Summary of the Discussion and Conclusion. Minutes 90377). This term denotes the embeddedness of risks to human health and the environment in a larger context of social, financial and economic risks and opportunities. Systemic risks are at the crossroads between natural events (partially altered and amplified by human action such as the emission of greenhouse gases), economic, social and technological developments and policy driven actions, both at the domestic and the international level (Renn, O. et al. 2002. Systemic Risks. Report to the OECD. Stuttgart: Center of Technology Assessment). The interpenetration of physical, environmental, economic and social risks is a challenge for risk management agencies.
Perception
The public knows or intuitively feels this new evolving pattern. The way the public may perceive and interpret a certain risk can have a great impact on what scientific projects are carried out and what scientific applications will eventually be brought to the market place. For example, various areas of genomics are seen as highly controversial, not only because of moral concerns, but also because of how risks are perceived, defined and dealt with in this rapidly developing field of science. Thus the decisions in the sphere of research and its application, as they relate to risk assessment and management, are often questioned by a worried and concerned public. In addition, the same technology may be perceived differently depending on its application. Genomics may offer solutions to human diseases and is welcomed by the public, yet the benefits of genetic engineering of plants is not as obvious to the public and has been generally opposed on grounds of potential environmental risks. Ethical and economic considerations as well as the global character of these issues as well as vested interests of the key stakeholders complicate the decision making processes.
Dialogue
We are convinced that engaged dialogue about risk issues stands at the very centre of a democratic society. The deliberations reach all of us, both as individuals and as a society. Constructive dialogue with the key stakeholders is needed to minimise unfounded concerns and maximise public empowerment on these complex issues, while at the same time, allowing a positive feedback to assure that science is moving forward in cohort with social needs and expectations. These expectations are themselves based on personal attitudes and decisions of "what is it that I really want, where do I stand on this issue". The deliberations include weighing risks and benefits of taking or not taking an action or decision.
The challenge of communicating risk issues
The complexities of risk deliberations, the various definitions and dimensions are often underestimated. As risks always contain uncertainties, proper choices and decisions can be difficult to be made. The level of uncertainty about the real or perceived risk can lead to a variety of attitudes and decisions depending on the perspectives taken. This makes communication between experts and the public extremely difficult. Risk can be defined as unforeseen negative effects or consequences of a potential hazard, and can be expressed as the likelihood of a negative event occurring combined with the magnitude of impact of the negative event. The effects of the event can have a direct or indirect impact with immediate or delayed action. Risk governance is composed of risk assessment, risk management and risk communication. Risk assessment has a number of stages: identification of the risk, its evaluation (potential impact, likelihood of occurrence and potential risk value) and decision on the risk management strategies to be taken. Risk management is composed of many elements: confinement strategies, restricted use, monitoring, traceability and following approved procedures. Obviously not easy concepts to explain, yet there is clearly a strong need for the process of communicating risk related issues to take place. Added to this is the challenge of communicating complex scientific topics such as those we wish to address, namely biodiversity and genomics.
