Use environmental impact studies to guide believers on the best species to release
Letter from Chong Kwek Yan Today Online 21 May 11;
IN MANY parts of Asia, the practice of animal liberation has kicked up much debate in terms of animal welfare and the impact on the environment.
Some have attempted to address these concerns. Religious adherents have switched from exotic freshwater pets such as red-eared sliders and birds, to sea creatures such as fish and crabs on the rationale that these are native our region's seas.
A second, more questionable, recommendation has been to avoid buying patterns that can be anticipated by sellers. The latest move has been to purchase only marine fish reared in fish farms and not those directly caught at sea ("Buddhists celebrate Vesak Day", May 18).
While I admire such efforts to modernise our traditions, I would propose that we go two steps further. First, construct an economic model to show how this latest practice better circumvents the usual market scenarios of animal capture and liberation. Second, do an environmental impact assessment (EIA) of possible short-term ecosystem shocks and long-term genetic erosion to the wild populations from such large quantities of a few species being released.
The EIA can advise on husbandry practices, and recommend appropriate mixes of species and release volumes and timings for the best outcome.
Buddhists can then confidently help to reach out to and educate those who still slip past our watchful nature wardens and conduct the worst practices of releasing exotics directly into our reserves.
This is an opportunity to show how scientific method can complement religious devotion for a positive outcome.
But perhaps at the end of the day, we may find that the most enlightened way to practise compassion would still be the long and hard way: Live simply, reduce consumption, and be kind and gentle to all life around us.
