Prof. Janzen & INBio：3. Enthusiasm of Scientists

3. Enthusiasm of Scientists

Establishment of the National Biodiversity Institute (INBio)

Along with activities led by Prof. Janzen, the National Biodiversity Institute (INBio) also contributed significantly to conservation of the natural environment in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica lost large areas of its forests in the late 20th century. The percentage of forests, which had accounted for 75% of the nation's land in 1940, had dropped to 21% by 1987. The national government recognized this situation as an opportunity to develop the country, and began to take action, establishing the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mines (MIRENEN) in 1986. The President of Costa Rica and the Environment Minister asked Dr. Rodrigo Gamez Lobo, who would go on to lead INBio as its director for 25 years, to serve as the environment advisor.

Dr. Gamez with INBio researchers (far right)

Dr. Gamez established the Planning Commission of the National Biodiversity Institute, with a group of scientists including Prof. Janzen, who had been engaged in studies on tropical forests in Costa Rica. They discussed ways to conserve the ecosystems. With funding from the MacArthur Foundation, they also launched the New Strategy and Conservation Program for Costa Rica to reinforce the conservation area system. The ACG stemmed from a pilot plan of this project.

The Planning Commission concluded that Costa Rica needed a national biodiversity institute, and proposed the idea to the President and Environment Minister. However, the government deemed the plan to be unrealistic and rejected the idea. Costa Rica had designated conservation areas, but the idea of deriving value from nature was not yet understood. Although it was an excellent idea, their proposal was a bit ahead of its time.

The Planning Commission decided not to depend on the government, and established a new institute, INBio. They had a hard time raising money before it was established; however, Prof. Janzen, who was a good negotiator, worked hard and succeeded in procuring funds from a wide range of organizations.

4. Work at INBio

Blue Planet Prize Story

3. Enthusiasm of Scientists

Establishment of the National Biodiversity Institute (INBio)

Prof. Daniel H. Janzen & National Biodiversity Institute (INBio)