The Herman Institute of Biological Studies

'conservemos lo que queda'

OUR MISSION


The Herman Institute of Biological Studies' (THIBS) first and foremost goal is the conservation of climax ecosystems. This goal will be achieved through the following means: the education of students and tourists; by conducting conservation oriented resesarch, and by lending support to researchers in the area; and, through the raising of funds by providing lodging and meals to visiting tourists. Paramount to these goals is the integration of the community of Playa Azul, and the cooperation with the Carara National Park.

Education

The Institute will develop curricula using local ecosystems as models to demonstrate the importance of intact ecosystems, healthy waterways, and the basic premises of ecology. Programs will also be developed for local schools which demonstrate the importance of the local avifauna, especially the Scarlet Macaw in hopes that these birds will soon be seen, not as a quick economic lift (through trapping for the pet trade), but as an integral part of the local world, aesthetically and ecologically. It is also hoped that the typical tourist visit to our area will be enhanced greatly by meeting and interacting directly with the world of scientific research, and hands-on conservation efforts underway at THIBS.

Research

By conducting and supporting conservation based research, The Herman Institute will directly contribute to the contemporary dialogue of scientists and ecosystem managers. Also, by conducting consistent monitoring of the waterways, baseline data of the conditions which exist now, will enable us to see the likely changes in these systems throughout time. Hopefully these efforts will have a beneficial effect on conservation in the area. THIBS is located in an area unique to Costa Rica, where the dry forest meets the moist pacific lowland forest. This habitat is unique and highly endangered, only protected in the Carara National Park. Also, many endangered species are found here, including the Scarlet Macaw, Three-wattled Bellbird, Yellow-billed and Turquoise Cotingas and the endemic Mangrove Hummingbird. The Herman Institute will focus its own research on the monitoring of these endangered birds. The Institute is directly located at the mouth of the Rio Grande de Tárcoles, reputed to be the most polluted river in the country, and also reputed to have the largest population of American Crocodiles of any river in Central America. It is very important to THIBS to try to clean up this river.

Funds

Again, The Herman Institute's primary goal is conserving endangered climax ecosystems. This is where the species on "the brink" occur, and once lost, these ecosytems can never be attained again. Unfortunately, this takes money! All of the revenue gained through housing, attending to tourists, and educational programs (after maintaining THIBS), will go into funds to buy endangered habitat and a scholarship to help Costa Ricans further their education. The Board of Directors will govern the dispersal of all revenue earned by and donated to THIBS. Donations of any type will be gladly accepted and much appreciated. We currently do not have nonprofit status, but are ardently working on obtaining it.

DONATIONS

In order to operate The Herman Institute of Biological Studies we need the following items:



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Email THIBS at: hermaninstitute@yahoo.com

P.O. BOX 422 Maple Falls, WA 98266 USA

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