Guest guest Posted April 20, 2002 Report Share Posted April 20, 2002 Editorial .... And our orchids news April 19: THERE are very sound reasons why strict controls exist on the cross-border transportation of plants and animals. International covenants specify quarantine requirements in respect of the constant and very real dangers attending the import of exotic species into other ecosystems. There are long-term risks of species replacement, where imported strains flourish to the detriment of native flora and fauna. There are the immediate risks of pests and infections carried by and on the plants and animals themselves. And last but not least, any self-respecting ecosystem would not take kindly to being stripped of its most aesthetically pleasing components. None of which was anywhere in the minds of the three contrite Japanese tourists fined this week for attempting to sneak rare and protected orchids out of Sarawak. Their relatively light fines may have recognised their motives as more self-indulgent than commercial, but their inconvenience and embarrassment deserves to be highlighted as a warning to all who are attracted to Malaysia for the abundant wonders of our natural environments as one of the world's 12 recognised " megadiversity " countries. Casual tourists and experienced naturalists alike are enchanted by the richness of Malaysia's natural environments. Who knows what wonders remain to be discovered in the fecund green depths of the forest reserves of Sarawak, Sabah and the peninsula? Indeed, " it's all here " , as Malaysia's tourist brochures proudly proclaim. And here it should certainly stay. ---- _______________ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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