In response to your questions: "1) How do you propose that the CITES guys differentiate between plants that have really been salvaged and plants that have suffered "gratuitous salvage" ?"
CITES has a fairly straight-forward definition of "salvage." If this is followed, there is no problem, except as you indicated regarding "gratuitous salvage" which does not meet the criteria. In most cases, letters of permission from land owners, or appropriate state officials would provide the necessary supporting documents. "2) Why does salvage have to be followed by export for profit, when replanting them somewhere nearby is usually a more environmentally-sound option ?" This question is irrelevent. Noone is implying that salvage has to be followed with anything. Sales and/or export for profit or otherwise are just a couple of options. Replanting some or all of them in a suitable area is another. I always find it interesting that the few bad guys are used to illustrate what the officials are concerned about. So, we are all treated as potential criminals. Well, there are a few government officials which are corrupt - perhaps we should treat all of them as corrupt individuals and challenge what they do and why. I don't think they would like that nor enjoy proving what they are doing is legal and within their job description. Maybe in the case of the Canadian official, they should be required to provide the rule/regulation that specifies that sale of the salvaged plants disqualifies them from receiving an export permit. I know I would demand it. Unfortunately, CITES continues to interfere and add considerable expense to legal business. The basic premise for CITES as it applies to plants is false. The placing of all orchids on Appendix II was arbitrary and capricious. Yet nothing is being done about it. As long as nothing of consequence is being done about it, except to provide for the large commercial exporters of Europe and Asia, it needs to be brought up. So, Peter, when CITES can be shown for what it is, I will continue to bring it up. And this is one of the proper forums on which to do so . Carson E. Whitlow Adel, IA _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
