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From: mrh@cybvax0.UUCP (Mike Huybensz)
Newsgroups: net.sci
Subject: Re: Costs of extinction
Message-ID: <1181@cybvax0.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 6-Oct-86 18:56:13 EDT
Article-I.D.: cybvax0.1181
Posted: Mon Oct  6 18:56:13 1986
Date-Received: Thu, 9-Oct-86 01:18:03 EDT
References: <1170@cybvax0.UUCP> <69@oliveb.UUCP>
Reply-To: mrh@cybvax0.UUCP (Mike Huybensz)
Organization: Cybermation, Inc., Cambridge, MA
Lines: 64
Keywords: well argued, thanks; what next?

In article <69@oliveb.UUCP> prs@oliven.UUCP (Philip Stephens) writes:
> Next, what are the prospects for getting international cooperation
> of governments and corporations, etc?  Particularly in Brazil, if I understand
> the arguments correctly.  I assume that the need at this time is to:
> 
> 	o Scientifically document the value of preserving genetic 
> 	  diversity in its original habitat, and get the message 
> 	  to appropriate individuals and groups.

This is a tremendous problem.  No matter what the value is to one group
of people or the world as a whole, one small selfish (or ignorant) group
might want to destroy that value for their own short-term gains.  Much like
an addict who rips off a much-needed microscope from a hospital which he
pawns for one fix.  One of the primary requirements of a working program is
education about the value of what's being preserved.  Otherwise it is
impossible to enforce preservation attempts.  Even in the USA, poaching
and theft of lumber from preserves is epidemic.

And it will be hard to convince utilitarian interests even with scientific
proof of irreplaceability.  Ever try to convince a lumberman that a giant
redwood isn't just "overripe" timber?  All he cares about is that he can
get $X / board foot.  That sort of person will put great pressure on the
political system to let him make his money: it's an immediate "benefit".

Interestingly, Brazil is attacking this problem with both laws concerning
how much jungle must be left alone, and educational programs.

One recently publicized aspect of the problem is that the World Bank has been
funding many projects which are major causes of the destruction of the rain
forests.  Efforts are underway to try to influence them.

> 	o Find ways to help accomplish in less destructive ways what
> 	  individuals and groups want to gain from clearing the jungles.

This requires extensive, expensive research over a long term.  Much more
than is being done now.

> 	o Accelerate, in the meanwhile, efforts at preserving genetic
> 	  material samples; prepare to be able to do the triage *if* it
> 	  becomes necessary.

One of the most successful approaches to preservation is something similar
to what the Nature Conservancy is doing.  Encourage donation of land and
money for buyouts of key habitats for perpetual preservation.  This seems
to be working well in the united states, and I've read recent reports of
some sucesses in Central America (where the forests are much more immediately
threatened.)

> Frankly, I don't know much about this, but it sounds important.  I would like
> to see discussion (by people better informed than I) of what practical
> measures can be taken.

You can get involved in a number of ways.  There are numerous environmental
organizations (Sierra Club, Greenpeace, Nature Conservancy, Audabon Society,
World Wildlife Fund, etc.) that can all use help.  I've applied to volunteer
for a year or so on these sorts of problems in two projects in Peru and Brazil.

If you are willing to pay for a short-term introduction to the heart of these
problems, there are several terrific Earthwatch tours to keep your eyes open
for.  The most interesting one is with Terry Erwin, collecting insects from
the canopy of the rain forest.
-- 

Mike Huybensz		...decvax!genrad!mit-eddie!cybvax0!mrh