As a boy growing up on a farm near the Caribbean coast of Colombia(哥伦比亚), Alvaro
Cogollo loved both plants and vallenato, the traditional music of the region.As a biology student
in the 1970s, Cogollo traveled around the country to document its rich botanical heritage and,
informally, studied the music that tells an important story of Colombia.
     "We were colonized by the Spanish; later, Africans were brought as slaves to exploit gold
mines; and the native peoples were already here," he says."That is what authentic vallenato
represents with its three instruments: the accordion(手风琴), from a European origin; la caja drum,
which is of African origin; and la guacharaca, a beating instrument made from a palm tree, which is
from native American origin."
     Over the course of his nearly four-decade career, Cogollo has discovered more than 150 new
species of plants, 17 of which bear his name.Although Cogollo never earned a PhD, his colleagues
say he's made invaluable contributions to knowledge of Colombia's plant at a time when deforestation
(砍伐森林) is a big threat to the country' s biodiversity.Governments have focused on trying to move
 the country out of poverty and conflict through exploiting its natural resources, not through scientific
resource development.But Cogollo sees things a different way.By educating the public about alternative
uses for the land, and researching plants' potential uses-including as medicines, foods, and bio-fuels-
Golombia could improve its economy and quality of life without neglecting conservation, Cogollo says.
     Cogollo's other major achievement has been the transformation of a neglected botanical garden in a
Medellm neighborhood into a well-known center for research, environmental education, and community
gatherings.What had been a club for wealthy orchid enthusiasts now offers free admission and attracts
rich and poor alike.The success of the botanical garden has in turn contributed to the transformation
of Medellm.Once seriously damaged, by violent wars between armed groups, the city has had some
improvements that include better public safety, tougher pollution controls and the creation of green
spaces.
     What Cogollo has focused his latest efforts on is teaching Colombians from all social classes and
backgrounds about the importance of biodiversity and conservation through a shared musical heritage.
"The fact that Alvaro's been able to give talks to audiences filled with all kinds of people is very
important, and that's what happened in Medellm the first time he talked about vallenato music,"
Dr.Forcro says."People sitting there had no idea of environmental conservation, and then they did."