Mission and GoalsThe Herman Institute of Biological Studies' (THIBS) first and foremost goal is the conservation of climax ecosystems. Through the education of students and tourists, by carrying out conservation oriented resesarch, and lending support to researchers in the area we will acheive our aims. Paramount to our 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.
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