Preserving Genetic Diversity
I read with interest “Dangers of Narrowing the Field” (Column One, Dec. 23). The article correctly raises concerns over the loss of genetic diversity. It is a significant issue requiring attention. However, to preserve germ plasm that does not have an immediate use requires money. Commercial agriculture operates on a narrow margin. Universities with colleges of agricultural sciences have also been under serious financial pressure for several years. At the time when universities are needed to do more, they have fewer resources with which to accomplish tasks. Preserving genetic diversity is one such timely issue.
Your article tends to overlook, however, that a highly efficient agriculture is perhaps the best defense against environmental degradation. Where people have adequate supplies of nutritious and economically priced food, there is little reason for them to burn forests or intrude into other fragile environments in an attempt to feed their families. The development of high-yielding strains of both plant and animal varieties has made possible an abundance of quality food.
The university, within the limits of its funding base, is proceeding to develop sustainable technology that helps address the problem. One of our distinguished alumni, Lyle McNeal, director of the Navajo Sheep Project in Utah, has done wonderful work in attempting to preserve and improve the Navajo-Churro sheep. All such endeavors, however, have largely been funded through private sector resources.
The problems raised must be addressed. It will require dollars. In times of financial duress, it is the long-range need that is forgotten in terms of immediate survival.
ALLEN C. CHRISTENSEN
Dean, College of Agriculture
Cal Poly Pomona
* Your fascinating story on the dramatic decline in the variety of agricultural animals and crops drove home the importance of preserving biodiversity. It is our ticket to a livable future.
This country has been the pioneer in saving species. Twenty years ago Congress passed the Endangered Species Act. A number of species have made dramatic comebacks since the act protected them, including the bald eagle, California gray whale, whooping crane, and peregrine falcon. Unfortunately, these success stories have been drowned out by controversies over the Stephens kangaroo rat and the northern spotted owl.
Biodiversity is important for many reasons in addition to our planet’s food supply. More than 25% of our nation’s pharmaceuticals are derived from natural substances--many of them from obscure plants and animals that have names that might sound strange. Taxol is derived from the bark of the Pacific yew tree, which logging companies used to burn as “trash” only three years ago. Now, it turns out to be an effective treatment for breast and ovarian cancer. Not only do such products save lives, they provide financial benefits to their manufacturers and others in the production chain.
The Endangered Species Act is up for reauthorization. It should be strengthened. A bill that would do just that (H.R. 2043) has 100 co-sponsors, including 19 from California. Anyone who believes we ought to save species--whether for moral or selfish reasons--should let Congress know.
LOUIS BLUMBERG
Assistant Regional Director
The Wilderness Society
San Francisco
