Scientists Kidnapped in Colombia

Two biologists and their guide were kidnapped by The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), in late April. The scientists were conducting a biological survey in an area of northern Columbia to evaluate its potential as a national park when they were captured by the FARC.

Botanist Hermes Cuadros of the University of the Atlantic in Barranquilla (and a former director of the Cartagena Botanical Garden) has since been released after 61 days in custody, but ornithologist Diego Calderón remains hostage. Recent reports do not mention the fate of the guide, José Saurith.

A global coalition of people and institutions around the world have condemned the actions of the guerrilla group, holding demonstrations and pressuring the group to release the research team.

Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BCCI) is collecting email messages calling for the release of the entire team. You can send your message by email to BGCI.

Links:

• BGCI - News - Kidnapping


• Red Nacional de Observadores de Aves calling for the release of Diego Calderón (mostly in Spanish)

Posted by Eric La Fountaine at 10:32 AM on July 7, 2004

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