to the EU Parliament

Dr. David Costen wrote the following to his member of parliament for the EU.

Dear Dr Lucas,

I am writing to you as my member of the European Parliament in connection with the threatened closure of the Botanic Garden of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. I am concerned that a function carried out by the VU Hortus for the Dutch government will also be lost. This function is to take custody of living plants confiscated at Schiphol airport after being illegally imported into the country in contravention of CITES regulations. To destroy living plants in such circumstances would also undermine the rationale for the convention and in my opinion is not an alternative option if closure of the gardens goes ahead.

I would like you to ask the committee on trade that you attend what plans the Dutch government has to ensure its ongoing compliance with CITES in this precise context?

The link below is to a webpage in English about the threatened closure. The university governing board wishes to extend its medical faculty at the expense of the botanical one. Although a faith-based, private institution, the VU receives government funding on a parity basis with the public universities: therefore two thirds of its income is from the Dutch state, I understand.

http://www.actiecomitevuhortus.com/?page_id=18

Yours Sincerely,
David Costen