Arturo Gomez-Pompa is a renowned Mexican botanist and ecologist, who made significant contributions to our understanding of the natural world. He was one of the first voices to draw attention to the problem of rain forest destruction, both in his native Mexico and around the world. As a tropical botanist, he has contributed significantly to the world’s scientific knowledge regarding the plant life of tropical forests. As Mexico’s most prominent voice for forest conservation, Dr. Gomez-Pompa has helped to develop the debate on the most effective ways to protect tropical ecosystems; and is credited with leading his governnent toward preserving Mexico’s biological heritage. His insightful work with indigenous forest peoples – in learning from their knowledge of the lands they inhabit and in focusing attention on the need to involve them in efforts to preserve their environment – is a model for ecologists and agrarian economists worldwide.