>Imagine if one would write a protologue and would not give the best
>information he/she has. Is this the kind of science you prefer? For
>me that sounds a bit like middle ages style...
>
> Andreas
I'll admit that it's not very clear where I stand on this issue
from my message. My main intention was to point out the
contradiction between trying to keep habitat coordinates "sketchy"
while at the same time giving their locations as circles centered
at an exact longitude and latitude. You're giving precise
information here no matter how big you make the circles.
I agree with Andreas. You can't make an accurate, computerized
location map without giving the most accurate information you have
available, and you can't put it on the Web and then try to limit
its access to people. If you're going to make a location map,
make a GOOD one, and an EASILY ACCESSIBLE one - our bookshelves
are already full of sketchy, incomplete, barely useful ones.
I, for one, would love to see this type of map come into existence.
I also share others' concerns about conservation, and I do believe
that providing a powerful, accurate location map is going to
drastically increase visitation to lots and lots of CP sites, by
both the scrupulous and the unscrupulous. My suggestion is to
include ADDITIONAL information along with the location map which
might help to discourage collection from the wild by everyone who
accesses it. For example, this information could consist of:
- First, a nice textual speal about how habitats are threatened,
etc., etc. and how we all (hobbyists, scientists, nurserymen)
are responsible for protecting them.
- Then, suggest that those who want their own plants, either for
private or commercial use, have LOTS and LOTS of sources available
that are much BETTER, EASIER and CHEAPER than collecting from the wild.
Here, provide an additional database, AT LEAST AS ACCURATE,
COMPLETE, EASILY-ACCESIBLE AND UP-TO-DATE AS THE LOCATION DATABASE,
of sources for CP. This could include information such as:
* Names and addresses of all known CP nurseries worldwide
(including information about whether or not they field-collect!)
* Private collectors who sell and trade their plants
* Sources of CP growing supplies, books, etc.
* All large and small-scale tissue-culture operations
* Instructions for doing your OWN tissue culture
* Sources of tissue-culture supplies
* Seed sources
* Instructions for germinating seeds successfully
In other words, if you don't want the powerful location map to be
misused for field collection, then make an EQUALLY POWERFUL "map"
of alternative CP sources and growing information which will look
like a more appealing way to obtain plants to those who want their
own.
People are basically lazy. We're always looking for the quickest
and easiest way to obtain the information and goods we want. So,
if the location map becomes the easiest route, that's what we'll
use. But if a database of alternative sources looks even quicker
and easier, we'll use that instead. Up until now, I've always found
it easier to find information about nurseries and collectors from
which to get my plants, but if this amazing location map one day
pops up on my screen, who knows ? I think the same effort should
be expended on providing a good CP-source database as on providing
a good location map.
Gordon Wells
Instituto de Cibernetica
Diagonal 647, planta 2
Barcelona 08028
SPAIN