Biodiversity and Conservation

The DR, like most threatened hotspots throughout the world, is in desperate need of effective conservation strategies. The Cornell Biodiversity Laboratory at Punta Cana is committed to the conservation of biological diversity. The first objective of Cornell research in the Dominican Republic is to provide a comprehensive investigation of the flora and fauna of the region through systematic collection and documentation of the diversity of plant, animal, fungal and microbial species. This information will provide an important means to make informed resource use decisions.

The study and research of biodiversity are intimately linked with its conservation. Biodiversity research represents a key component in developing innovative conservation strategies. A great portion of the world's biological diversity, including flowering plants, animals, and microorganisms remain undiscovered and unnamed. In order to make the conservation movement as precise and cost-effective as possible, scientists must continue to map the world's biological diversity. As scientists gain a greater understanding of the diversity of life, they will be able to understand the complex relationships and interactions between distinct species and ecosystems. This critical knowledgebase will serve conservationists, policy-makers, businesses, and governments in making informed management decisions.