Re : Dominica Project 
(Almost '"complete? 8 b± ° diver f ^ studies ; emphasize insects, plants 
V complete), medicinal plants and associated knowledge 
Justification for emphasis on insects : They are the most numerous, 
diverse and ecologically-important of the animal groups. The sheer' 
numbers of species have occupied taxonomists for many years, yet new 
species are being recognized in every insect group studied, in every 
known insect habitat. 
Knowledge of the insect fauna of Dominica is important in building our 
base for understanding the persisting biodiversity in Dominica and other 
theoretical concerns. This knowledge can have practical consequences 
Pests of economically-important agricultural varieties of both plants 
and animals are themselves vulnerable to attack by organisms inclu¬ 
ding insects. Such organisms are being increasingly employed in 
biological control, reducing the need for chemical pesticides that 
have caused so much environmental damage. 
Means of achieving desired ends r 
Provide assistance for collection, study trips to Dominica by specialists 
m important insect groups with the provision that : 
The specialist provide copies of pertinent publications for his group 
of interest, to be housed in a library on the island 
The specialist provide a reference collection for his insect group 
represented in Dominica, and provide information on the location 
o type specimens for the species being collected 
The specialist agree to meet at least once with community members 
and present an overview of his activities, the role of his organ¬ 
isms in the theoretical and practical concerns of the island (as 
ar as ossi e .) and questions to be addressed iurther study 
of the group in Dominica* 
Such "Ecoseminars" could serve as a spin-off point for these topics in 
schools : Insect biology, identification, life history studies; and 
communication skills 
