Center for Tropical Research is based at UCLA’s Institute of the Environment. Since 2002, we have been working hand in hand with local residents to save rain forests in Latin America. Although we are active in the Amazon and other areas, the focus of our work is the Chocó rain forest. This global conservation hotspot combines extreme diversity and endemism with some of the highest deforestation rates in the world. Without active research, training, education, and development initiatives remaining rain forest will almost certainly disappear, with a great loss to biodiversity and to the wellbeing of the local populace. Our project combines top-level scientific research with on-the-ground training, education, and sustainable development to achieve lasting conservation. Our approach on both social and scientific levels is based on the inclusion and involvement of local residents. On a scientific level, we are conducting the studies needed to provide a solid foundation for conservation initiatives with a particular focus on endangered species like the Long-wattled Umbrellabird and the Banded Ground-cuckoo. On a social level, we train local community members and university-level students as field biologists, provide environmental education, and establish economically viable alternatives to deforestation. Our longterm goal is a management plan for the area that is formulated by, agreed upon, and implemented by the local population. Our work has been highly successful to date, and we seeking to expand the scope and breadth of our work.