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January 14, 2007

Honorable Premier Campbell,

As a member of the Société Québécoise de Spéléologie and an a concerned Canadian citizen, I would like to go on record supporting Paul Griffiths' appeal to preserve SPAET Cave, as sent to you and your Cabinet in a December 21, 2006 letter.

His main points:

SPAET Cave has considerable historical, cultural, aesthetic, scientific and educational value to all British Columbians and aboriginal people. As such, it is part of the World's heritage, and is the subject of great concern to many Canadian and the World's citizens.

SPAET Cave has been altered by actions of the developer and by archeological investigations authorized by your Government. These disturbances have desecrated the cave to some extent, but the cave can still be saved, the damages done can be restored, if your Government decides so and takes action accordingly.

Many scientists and experts are ready to work with your Government towards restoring and protecting SPAET Cave.

Reflections :

Many people live with the notion that caves are dank, sinister and austere habitats, full of strange denizens. Although caves appear robust when first viewed, they are in fact a complex and fragile ecosystem. The dazzling beauty of majestic speleothems on guard, in total darkness and sloshing water violating an uncommon silence, can fill our hearts with joy and replenish our spirits. The notion of caves was woven into the framework of the mythologies and religions of the people on our five continents. Since the dawn of time, humans have been intimately related to caves. As in a drama consecrated to the cycle of life , procreation, birth, shelter and burial occurred in caves. Cave art is thought provoking, and probably provided the impulse for humans to begin thinking about the beginning of life and of the universe and because of its abstract qualities, cave art would became the mother of religion. The caves of Chauvet, and Cosquer are examples of repositories of cave art, reaching back 35,000 years. When viewed in the depth and silence of the caves, these images are truly moving.

These entities of rare creation require nurturing and protection until we have the knowledge to rationally interact with them.

As Paul Griffiths has pointed out, it now is up to you, and the World is watching. Please, act now to protect the SPAET Cave!

Frank Martin, PhD Math