Costa Rica Biological Station

INBIO INAUGURATES BIOLOGICAL STATION IN RAMÓN HOTEL The National Biodiversity Institute (INBio) inaugurated a biological station open to the public, in the Villa Blanca Hotel, located in El Silencio de Los Ángeles, San Ramón, Alajuela.This is the first scientific laboratory within a hotel in the country. It will allow one to study the region’s biodiversity and, at the same time, be part of the tourist promotion offered by Villa Blanca to guests.The station is small. It measures about 328 square feet (approximately 100 square meters) and is used by six researchers. It is two blocks from the hotel, on the way to the walking paths.According to Alfio Piva, Executive director of INBio, this initiative is the first effort by the Costa Rican tourist industry to participate in research projects and support the bio-awareness of local and foreign tourists.“This is about teaching communities about the natural wealth that surrounds them. If we don’t concern ourselves with nature now, it will disappear. The Villa Blanca Hotel is taking a step in this direction”, said Piva.