You Are Our Most Important Resource !
The Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) was founded in 1963 to lead the way in understanding the vast and unique resources of the tropics. Today there is still much to be done. Tropical nature, so vital to the global environment, is increasingly threatened as more and more people rely on its dwindling resources for their livelihood and sustenance.

OTS is a nonprofit consortium of 65 universities and research institutions in the U.S., Costa Rica, Perú, Canada, South Africa, México and Australia. OTS provides graduate, undergraduate and professional training, facilitates research, maintains three biological stations in Costa Rica, participates in conservation activities and conducts environmental education programs.

The demand to expand and diversify OTS' training programs has never been greater. The pressure for research funding and the global questions being asked of the research community begs OTS' continued involvement. In the years ahead, OTS has the opportunity to impact on the lives of thousands of people who can make a difference in the tropics.

Unfortunately, OTS is not able to achieve such a future without the help of private support. Earned revenues from tuition, station fees and income from services rendered does not cover the organization's expenses. OTS negates the earnings gap through support from private foundations, corporations, government agencies and individuals. Without such support, OTS could not have achieved its successes in the past. Without new support, it cannot meet the demands of the future.

We hope that you will help us achieve these goals by becoming a member. Together we can truly make a difference in understanding and protecting the natural resources of the tropics.