How Should the ATBC Approach Conservation?

IN 2002 THE ASSOCIATION FOR TROPICAL BIOLOGY officially re named itself as the Association for Tropical Biology and Conser vation (ATBC). This change reflected growing interest in conser vation biology as a research theme but, beyond this, it highlighted an emerging view that the association should advocate more ac tively for the conservation of imperiled tropical ecosystems-an en deavor long led by tropical biologists (e.g., Janzen 2000, Wright & Andriamihaja 2002, Prance 2007). A few ATBC members, notably Ariel Lugo, spoke out emphatically against such a change in course, but this dissenting view was largely drowned out by a wave of enthusiasm for the ATBC's broader, more crisis-oriented mission. We now have a new name and a new mandate, but what does this mean, exactly? How should the ATBC approach tropical con servation, in reality and practice? Here I grapple with these questions from the perspective not just of a scientist, but also a real believer in the need for conservation action. As co-chair of the ATBC Con servation Committee, I am convinced that the association, with its wealth of scientific expertise and credibility, has a special responsi bility to do more than merely study tropical organisms while the forests around us fall before the axe and bulldozer.