Can society be sustainable if its citizens don’t understand where their resources come from? Understanding through real experiences the value of biodiversity in our lives would allow the development of an environmental ethics over time, which leads to assuming personal responsibility for its use and conservation. Achieving bioliteracy takes time, but it is an essential investment in a society that seeks to live in harmony with the planet.

As Director of the largest, most productive research station in the tropics, Carlos lives the dream of a field biologist, surrounded by researchers, educators and naturalists that produce an enormous amount of data on how tropical ecosystems work. Having lived in field stations for most of his professional life has provided an in-depth view and philosophy of the role of nature and biology in every person’s life. A published author and scientist, he uses his photography and writing skills to build bridges between the scientist community and the rest of society. He has written several books and over 50 articles, papers and field guides in various aspects of science and conservation, as well as over a hundred presentations in national and international conferences and meetings. He specialized in aquatic insect ecology and taxonomy, as well as in river and forest conservation and education.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx