湖南省汝城二中2014届高考英语一轮复习阅读训练 (11)_高考复习指南

湖南省汝城二中2014届高考英语一轮复习阅读训练 (11)

　　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 – Colombia 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 Medellín 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 Medellín. 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 ?lvaro's been able to give talks to audiences filled with all kinds of people is very important, and that's what happened in Medellín the first time he talked about vallenato music," Dr. Forero says. "People sitting there had no idea of environmental conservation, and then they did."