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variety of experimental work on marine organisms.  It will be supplemented by a new addition to the Laboratory space by the end of FY 1983.  This is expected to provide facilities for expanded marine studies in the Bay of Panama and in connection with the proposed Sea Level Canal.  Another new facility to be completed in late 1982 is the STRI Library Building which will enhance STRI's already world-famous library of tropical science.  STRI expects eventually to complete the Tivoli complex by building new laboratories for terrestrial studies.

In addition to basic research, the Institute is also an innovative center promoting conservation efforts in the tropics through educational programs.  Its conservation functions include the custodianship of the Barro Colorado Nature Monument (BCNM), granted to it under the terms of the Panama Canal Treaty and a hemispheric convention.  The BCNM includes Barro Colorado Island (3,700 acres) and the encircling mainland areas (8,600 acres).  As the only U.S organization devoted exclusively to research, conservation, and education in the tropics, the Institute has been experiencing pressure on its facilities from the increasing numbers of requests for accommodations from the U.S., Panama, and throughout the world.  The expansion of land holdings in the Nature Monument has provided the Institute with an opportunity to study ways to accommodate these increasing demands, including a possible future research/visitor complex on Frijoles Island (an area of the BCNM).  The new areas have stimulated exploration and new kinds of research.  STRI is developing a program with several Central American and international organizations to be implemented in these areas, whereby results of basic studies can be applied to the problem of using tropical forests for the benefit of man in a nondestructive way.

Starting in FY 1983, three facilities management goals will be nearing realization:  a general improvement and upgrading of existing facilities, the consolidation of some facilities to maximize the effectiveness of the ongoing research programs, and the development of site analyses and feasibility studies for a future master plan of facilities development.  In addition to a possible complex on Frijoles Island, facilities improvements under consideration include a Barro Colorado Island dormitory/kitchen-dining room complex, laboratories and a conference center at Tivoli as part of the phased development of this site, and a mainland dormitory to provide ready accessibility to the STRI research facility.  General repairs and improvements at the Naos, Galeta and Ancon facilities will continue to be needed.  Further information regarding repair, improvement, and facilities needs is contained in the Facilities chapter of this document.

In order to continue to provide the necessary support to ongoing research and facilities operations, it will be necessary to seek replacement funds for major equipment, utilities and communications, supplies