Bocas del Toro province is a magnificent natural region with humid tropical forest, swamp forest and banana plantations in the terrestrial habitats and mangrove forests, seagrass meadows and coral reefs in the marine coast. All this ecosystems present unique characteristics that integrated to the geological past and cultural diversity make a special environment for research and education projects.
![A visiting scientist with a group of local students A visiting scientist with a group of local students](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090116004202im_/http://www.stri.org/images/Fotos/Bocas_Kids_on_Bridge.jpg)
An Education Program Coordinator with a group of local students
The Smithsonian Research Station at Isla Colon is the center for research, education and scientific training.