Appropriate - Technology Access to Stimulate Research in Tropical Rain Forest Biology

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The La Selva Biological Station of the Organization for Tropical Studies, located in tropical wet forests of the Republic of Costa Rica, has become one of the world's most active sites for research on the ecology of pristine and altered tropical ecosystems. Recent developments at the Station have fueled a rapid and sustained increase in research usage. Advanced laboratory facilities, spectacular biodiversity resources, a new Geographic Information/Database Management System, diverse habitats for observation and manipulation, excellent infrastructure, and a welcoming socio-political environment have all contributed to La Selva's continuing growth. A substantial to fulfilling the research and education potential of the station, however, has been the difficulty of access to approximately half of the reserve's area. OTS will create an appropriate-technology, environmentally benign access system for pedestrians, bicycles, and small electric vehicles. The Western Annex Rapid Transit system (WART) is a 6-km long, 1.7 m wide paved path that will link laboratory/living areas to the most distant sections of La Selva. Development of the WART concept and the environmental and engineering criteria employed in its design are well thought out. The project will bring immediate and substantial benefits to researchers whose projects range from molecules to ecosystems, and in habitats from primary lowland rain forest to abandoned pastures. Improved access is critical to realizing La Selva's outstanding potential to advance tropical science. The Western Annex Rapid Transit system, using technology appropriate tot he scale of the transportation problem and applied in an environmentally-sensitive design, will provide this access.