Technically under CITES confiscated plants are suppose to be returned to their country (State of export) of origin if at all possible. At the very least that country is suppose to be consulted before the confiscated plants are to be put in a rescue center. Countries that are a party to CITES do interpret CITES in different ways. A stricter interpretation and a consistent interpretation across countries of CITES would strengthen the treaty. Hopefully the Netherlands will consult with the Cayman Islands government or the UK government will be consulted. The Cayman Islands are a British overseas territory, so I am not sure how that will work.
From CITES Article VIII Measures to Be Taken by the Parties 1. The Parties shall take appropriate measures to enforce the provisions of the present Convention and to prohibit trade in specimens in violation thereof. These shall include measures: (a) to penalize trade in, or possession of, such specimens, or both; and (b) to provide for the confiscation or return to the State of export of such specimens. Skipping to number 4 of Article VIII 4. Where a living specimen is confiscated as a result of measures referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article: (a) the specimen shall be entrusted to a Management Authority of the State of confiscation; (b) the Management Authority shall, after consultation with the State of export, return the specimen to that State at the expense of that State, or to a rescue centre or such other place as the Management Authority deems appropriate and consistent with the purposes of the present Convention; and consistent with the purposes of the present Convention; Seconding Marc's challenge: "I have proposed this "challenge" many times and I will again ask yourself - "When was the last time you contributed to orchid conservation?" If you cultivate rare species propagate them, volunteer your expertise at a botanical garden, promote orchid conservation when you lecture, contribute time and funds to orchid conservation organizations and the list would go on from there. It is about time that as orchid enthustiasts we give a little back to this group of plants for all the beauty and pleasure that they have brought into our lives and to increase the chance that they will be around for many generations to come." and taking the opportunity when it presents itself, I invite anyone to ask their orchid society to participate in 1% for Orchid Conservation. Participation in 1%FOC means that an orchid society pledges to donate 1% or more of its net revenue each year to the in situ orchid conservation organization or project of their choice. Orchid societies determined the amount of their donation and where it goes. 1% for Orchid Conservation and the Orchid Conservation Coalition does not take donations, pool donations, or handle money in anyway. No fees. It is a coalition. Get your orchid society and members involved in orchid conservation. Orchid conservation is just as an important aspect of growing orchids as education, and flower judging. For more information on how to get your society involved visit: http://www.orchidconservationcoalition.org or e-mail me at [EMAIL PROTECTED] A list of some of the orchid conservation organizations out there is located at: http://www.orchidconservationcoalition.org/conservationorgs.html The Orchid Conservation Alliance does take donations from individuals and orchid societies. Their goals can be found here as part of the OCC update: http://www.orchidconservationcoalition.org/update/12.html The Orchid Conservation Alliance website is: http://www.orchidconservationalliance.org Mark Sullivan _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
