Vandalism destroys knowledge and opportunity

Vandalism destroys knowledge and opportunity - LSN Press Release

“The deliberate destruction of genetically modified trees at Scion (Forest Research Institute Ltd) in Rotorua is eco-terrorism and destroys knowledge and opportunity for all New Zealanders,” Chairman of the Life Sciences Network, Dr William Rolleston, said today.

“Scion is undertaking legal research which has been approved by the Environmental Risk Management Authority. The break-in at the research facility is an attempt by anti-GM fundamentalists to destroy years of hard work and the knowledge gained. Knowledge which is aimed at producing positive environmental, social or economic outcomes for New Zealand.

“After extensive investigation the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification gave the green light to ‘proceed with caution’ and its decision was endorsed by an overwhelming majority of Parliament. All New Zealanders should be concerned that a small fundamentalist minority stoops to break the law in an attempt to further its cause and send New Zealand back to the scientific dark ages. The perpetrators should be brought to justice with the full force of the law,” concluded Dr Rolleston.

Life Sciences Network Press Release, 16 January 2008

ENDS