Message from the Director

Welcome to the website of the USDA Forest Service's International Institute of Tropical Forestry. The Institute was founded in 1939 and has a long and productive history. Our original mission focused on management, economics, products, influences, and botany of tropical forests; a mission that reflected our lack of knowledge of tropical forests and their global importance.

Our mission today is to generate and disseminate scientific information in support of the sustainable use of tropical forests. The Institute is in a unique position to fulfill this mission because Puerto Rico is a window to the future for many tropical areas. The forest-to-agricultural-to-industrial land use changes that have already occurred here allow for the study of what lies ahead in many other tropical areas.

Our goal is to continue to learn about tropical forests and to share that information with communities, land managers, scientists, and others. Our staff scientists, managers, and professionals, conduct research, provide technical assistance, and aid with technology transfer. This is not done alone but in cooperation and partnerships with government agencies, non-profit organizations, private landowners, schools, and universities throughout the United States, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. I invite you to learn more about us by exploring our website or contacting us directly. Join us as we explore issues regarding deforestation, land use, and water quality [sustainability], which are of such importance to humanity.