Paraguay cancels British science expedition

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Paraguay cancels British science expedition
Associated Press | Posted: Monday, November 15, 2010 4:18 pm

Paraguay denied authorization Monday for a British-led scientific expedition to catalog plants and animals in the country's remote northern corner, saying there isn't enough time to consult with relatives of nomadic Indians who try to remain isolated as they pass through the area.

The non-governmental Amotocoide Initiative, an advocacy group for native Ayoreo Indians who live in the dry forests of northern Paraguay, had warned that scientists might carry European diseases to the Indians, leave trash or otherwise suffer violent encounters.

Isabel Basualdo, director of the biodiversity office of Paraguay's environmental ministry, said in a statement that the decision follows the recommendation of the Interamerican Human Rights Commission that public hearings and all other legal requirements are complied with before such a visit.

Richard Lane, the British Natural History museum's director of science, said the expedition had been suspended while consultations take place.



Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/news/world/article_8bc064fc-5555-5efe-9d61-09ab9d736a79.html

[cutlassmama]

1. They want to find out what Bush is doing with his land/water???

[hughee99]

5. I hear he's planning a Legoland.

[bluedigger]

2. The expedition has been planned for years, I'll bet.

Which leads me to one of two conclusions. Either public opinion has forced the government to show it's "in command" of the situation, or the right palms haven't been sufficiently greased ( especially in light of recent public opinion). Okay, same thing, really.:shrug:

[BeFree]

3. Well

It isn't like the bloody Brits have ever caused harm to indigenous people before. Eh?

[DavidDvorkin]

4. What a stupid post

Part of the strange DU tradition of mindless Anglophobia.

[BeFree]

8. Heh

Truth hurts, eh?

Shoot, we can trust the Brits, right? Why shouldn't we?
They invented the saying: "We're from the government and we're here to help you."

Y'know, it's time we stuck to our own damned business and leave folks alone until our shit don't stink... then....

[Name removed]

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[Name removed]

10. Deleted message

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[Judi Lynn]

6. Truly! Much ado about nothing! Some people are so touchy.

http://www.thatshirtplace.com.nyud.net:8090/uploaded/images/1Funny/SarcasmBeatsKilling.jpg

[muriel_volestrangler]

11. It wasn't just 'the bloody Brits' marching in on their own with no thought

From before the cancellation:

But the museum, which is collaborating with Paraguayan colleagues in the project, said it was taking measures to ensure that the expedition would not threaten indigenous tribes.

A museum press statement said: "We always take advice on these issues from the relevant national authorities, as we are doing in Paraguay."
...
The team of British and Paraguayan biologists and botanists hope to find undiscovered species of plants, insects and animals in the region.
...
Professor Richard Lane, head of science at the Natural History Museum, told BBC News: "We've considered the whole expedition from the very beginning.

"We have sought local advice from our guides to ensure there will be no inappropriate contact."

The team has also collaborated with Ayoreo representatives in the form of the National Union for the Ayoreo in Paraguay (UNAP).

"Most recently, our collaborators have enlisted an Ayoreo elder, who has volunteered to guide our team in the forest," Professor Lane added.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_9171000/9171328.stm

[BeFree]

12. Science is good

But there comes a point where people need to be left alone.

Our modern society has caused so many problems in this world and we waddle around in our crap leaving trails of death and destruction wherever we go.

I am glad to know that these people are not going to be invaded. May they remain ever free from us prying into their lives and lands.

[Judi Lynn]

7. Museum halts Paraguay mission after fears over tribe

15 November 2010 Last updated at 18:45 ET
Museum halts Paraguay mission after fears over tribe

London's Natural History Museum has suspended a planned expedition to a remote region of Paraguay after protests that it might disturb one of the world's last uncontacted tribes.

Campaigners had warned that the expedition to the Chaco region was likely to encounter the Ayoreo people.

Contact might expose them to infectious diseases that could wipe them out.

The 100-strong expedition was due to set off in the next few days in search of new species of plants and insects.

More:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11762531