(UNAM) in 1964, with a degree in Biology, obtained a Master's degree in Agricultural Botany in 1968, and in 1972 he received his Ph.D. in Ecology from the University College of North Wales (Bangor) His main areas of academic interest have been Structure and Dynamics of Tropical Vegetation, Plant Population Ecology and Systems Ecology of temperate and tropical ecosystems, Biodiversity and the use of the information about it to support Conservation Policies. He has also developed interest and experience in training and education in Ecology and the role of Higher Education, Science and Technology in the development of Mexico. He has also written on sustainability of social development and the ethical issues involved in it.
He has published over 150 papers and several books and has taken part in more than 300 national and international congresses and has supervised 27 bachelor's, master's and doctor's thesis. He has been the promoter in Mexico of the most important ecological research group of Latin America.
Member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences, the Latin American Academy of Sciences the Academy of Sciences for the developing world (TWAS) World Academy of Sciences and foreign Member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. Member of the Consultative Council of the Mexican National Water Board; Co-Chair of the Editorial Board of the Millennium Assessment, member of the Inter Academy Council for a Study on” Science and Technology strategies for improved agricultural productivity and food security in Africa” requested by the Secretary General of the UN, Kofi Annan. He holds honorary doctorates from the National University of San Marcos in Lima, University of Wales; New York University ; Colegio de Postgraduados, Mexico 1995; University of Colima, México 1996; First Honorary Doctorate of the University of Hidalgo, México 1997.