David Pearson knows about the power of life. He also knows that the diversity of plants and animals and other creatures is key to our survival and quality of life on this planet. Pearson is a research professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University. He is on a mission to illuminate the importance of “biodiversity” in the minds of Latin American students and leaders.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of all life forms—the plants, animals, insects, microorganisms—and the ecosystems of which they are a part. Biodiversity is the sum of all the life around us.

Pearson says that the most significant hindrance to the conservation and management of biodiversity is our lack of knowledge about it and the effects of human population and activities on it. He is trying to fill the knowledge gap. Pearson conducts week-long workshops in Central and South American countries. Participants include government officials, business leaders, educators, students, and environmental activists.

“To understand biodiversity, you have to see it from the big picture—the people, the culture, the resources, and their local knowledge,” he says. “Recognizing this, you then seek out the best, most efficient ways of using available resources to augment your community’s current and future economic and environmental state.”

The ASU scientist’s educational efforts focus on four principles that define and denote the importance of biodiversity.

• Ecosystem processes: Biodiversity underpins the processes that make life possible. Healthy ecosystems are necessary for maintaining and regulating atmospheric quality, climate, fresh water, marine productivity, soil formation, the cycling of nutrients, and waste disposal.
• Ethics: No species, and no single generation, has the right to sequester Earth’s resources solely for its own benefit.
• Aesthetics and culture: Biodiversity is essential to nature’s beauty and tranquility. Many countries place a high value on native plants and animals. These contribute to a sense of cultural identity, spiritual enrichment, and recreation. Biodiversity is essential to the development of cultures.
• Economic: Plants and animals attract tourists and provide food, medicines, energy, and building materials. Biodiversity is a reservoir of resources that remains relatively untapped.

At home in Tempe, Pearson teaches the Introduction to Biology course to ASU undergraduates. He also works with students from participating countries and mediates debates and small group discussions during workshops. Topics focus on biology, sociology, and economics.

“The sessions allow the students to speak openly and offer an opportunity for them to learn from and teach each other,” he says.

Pearson has presented biodiversity workshops in Mexico, Peru, Venezuela, and at three universities in Brazil.

“‘Why?’ is the most important question that people ask,” he explains. “Knowing ‘why’ something happens is the key to meeting any challenge. We can go to the source of the problem instead of putting a band-aid on it by answering ‘how’ to fix it. It’s a learning process for everyone involved, including myself.”

The exchange of ideas doesn’t stop once the five-day workshops end. Pearson developed a Web site (http://www.ibiologia.unam.mx/~jcmr/ibunam2/posgrado/cursos.htm) to continue the communication and idea exchange. The site is hosted by el Visit the site at:

The site is written mostly in Spanish and Portuguese. It provides a contact list for the more than 200 participants from Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, and Peru.

One of the participants is Jon Paul Rodriguez, a researcher with the Ecology Center of the Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Investigation (Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Cientificas, or IVIC).

Rodriguez coordinated a workshop Pearson taught at IVIC which included 24 participants. He says the ASU professor concentrates on teaching students how to think about biodiversity problem-solving, using the scientific method.

“This is important,” Rodriguez says. “During their formal training, these students are taught how to complete exams, write essays, or fulfill the contents of lesson plans. Rarely are they taught how to really think.

“This is what distinguishes a successful, innovative scientist from the professionals who apply scientific principles without significantly advancing the frontiers of science. David is an ideal instructor for this kind of course.”

Rodriguez says that Venezuela’s conservation efforts are challenging. The biodiversity workshops have helped bring experts together to share beneficial information.

“The main limiting resource is well-trained, updated personnel,” Rodriguez says. “These workshops help create a critical mass of professionals dedicated to biodiversity research and management. David’s workshop last year allowed me to meet the next generation of students and young professionals with interest in biodiversity conservation.”

IVIC is the only institution in Venezuela that offers graduate training in conservation biology. “Knowing who is out there is key,” Rodriguez adds. “Contacts made during the course have already resulted in the establishment of joint projects and/or information exchanges.”

Pearson says that even though biodiversity has an important effect on the way people live, many still remain unaware. The support for continuing education and workshop projects is minimal.

“You have to help people prepare for their own future,” Pearson says. “There really isn’t a ready source of funding for this type of environmental education, because it’s not as obviously technical as other research projects. Even so, biodiversity affects everyone, everywhere.”

The ASU scientist continues to do his part. Pearson has 12 biodiversity workshops scheduled for the 2004-05 academic year in Paraguay, Peru, Panama, Ecuador and Brazil.—Manny Romero

Biodiversity workshops are supported by Conservation International and the ASU Vice President for Research and Economic Affairs. David Pearson’s newest books also incorporate the importance of biodiversity at home and in foreign countries. Field Guide to the Tiger Beetles of North America is published by Oxford University Press. Travelers: Wildlife Guide for Ecuador and the Galapagos is published by Interlink Press. For more information, contact David Pearson, Ph.D., 480.965.5839. Send e-mail to David.Pearson@asu.edu

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