Dear Editor,
In the November 1997 issue, you carried a detailed report of efforts by the ROC agricultural technical mission (ATM) to help Costa Rica save endangered orchid species. The success of this effort is further evidence of Taiwan's efforts to protect wildlife. In the past Taiwan has been seen as a "destroyer of wildlife," and has been criticized and boycotted by international conservation groups. But thanks to the guidance of Taiwan's ATM, the five Costa Rican orchid species listed as endangered by CITES can now be made available to the world.
The story goes back to 1994, when Santiago Huang, now leader of the Costa Rica ATM, discovered in the US orchid association monthly the CITES list of endangered orchid species, which included five Costa Rican species. He discussed this with then-ATM chief Chen Kuan-chou (now ATM leader in Guatemala) and myself (I was at that time in charge of the tissue culture lab). Believing that the techniques for commercial cultivation of orchids were mature and stable, we decided to devote some time to helping Costa Rica save the five endangered species.
The lab ultimately succeeded in developing propagation methods for these orchids thanks to repeated trials, discussion, and research-and perhaps to our sincere dedication! After the young plants were transplanted, they grew very well. This year will be the fourth year, in which, we trust, these five varieties will bloom splendidly in their original natural habitats and in Costa Rica's national parks. We were delighted to see your story, and impressed by its breadth and depth.
By the way, there was an error in one of the photos on page 44. We have included a correct picture of a Tricopilia suavis [see above].
Cheng Cheng-han, St. Vincent
Dear Editor,
In reading the article, "Betty Jung's Asian Monastery Journey" in the March 1997 edition of Sinorama, I truly admired her spirit. The article mentions that she wrote many vegetarian cook books, and I was wondering where I can purchase them. The article does not mention her address. Would it be possible for me to contact her and ask her about her vegetarian experience and cooking methods?
Editor's reply:
Betty Jung's career in recent years has become quite celebrated, and since printing the above article, many readers have expressed the desire to purchase her books. Ms. Jung has been living abroad for many years, but when we got in touch with her several months ago, we learned that her book, The Kopan Temple Cookbook, is currently in print. Those readers who desire to purchase this book or contact Ms. Jung can send their letters to us, and we will forward them.
