10 May 2006

Young Greens call on Conservation Minister Chris Carter to stop threatened snails being moved in lead up to International Biodiversity day.

As we approach Global Biodiversity Day on May 22nd, Young Greens are angry that the Minister of Conservation Chris Carter has granted a permit and work is to begin on wiping out a link to our Gondwanallian heritage, the distinctive carnivorous land snail, Powelliphanta augustus,

“Chris Carter is bowing to grossly exaggerated claims by Solid Energy concerning the amount of money and jobs at risk from protecting this snail. The Powelliphanta Augustus currently only occupies 3-4 hectares of a 2308 hectare coal mine. Vaccum sucking of the Earth helps destroys Aoteoroa’s future.” Said Young Green spokeswoman Tara Forde.

The DOC approved plan is to move 250 snails into a habitat only large amount for 85. Even for these lucky survivors, no snails have been successfully bred in captivity, so the chances are high for state sanctioned species extinction. “If these snails do not survive, Chris Carter is responsible, as the Minister of Conservation, for their demise.” Said Ms Forde.

Young Greens call on the Government for a long term vision to be shown for energy independence, and to stop delaying the true cost of mining for future generations. Not to mention the cost of survival to others inhabiting and sharing this Earth. Instead of ‘yes’ to Solid Energy, Chris Carter should say yes to the future of Aoteoroa.

The Young Greens are the youth wing of the green party and have members over the entire country.

ENDS

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