The Challenge: Develop a way to characterize and monitor the well-being of one of the last true frontiers on Earth–the Amazon Basin rainforest–and devise a set of practical strategies to ensure its preservation.

Background: We know remarkably little about the physical, chemical, and biological processes that shape the evolution of rainforest ecosystems, yet such knowledge is crucial if we hope to implement effective plans for the management of this unique resource. Exactly how the necessary knowledge base can be developed with currently available technologies, and how we might use that knowledge to improve our stewardship of Amazonia, is subject to heated debate.