Small Collections Grant
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Enhancing Biodiversity Documentation: Expansion and Digitization of Yasouj University Herbarium (YUH)
Iran
Database, Digitally image, Conserve
Cost (USD):
2000
YUH
Yasouj University
Objective:
Nestled in the scenic Zagros Mountains, the Yasouj University Herbarium (YUH) currently houses
nearly 4,000 plant specimens. Despite the region's renowned plant diversity, the existing collection
partially captures this richness. Our project aims to bridge this gap by expanding and
digitizing the herbarium collection. Clearly, we aim to:
- Acquire and identification specimens from various microhabitats and altitudinal zones within the Zagros Mountains to enhance diversity representation.
- Create high-resolution images of each specimen and compile metadata to establish an online database.
Timetable:
Our project will unfold over an 18-month timeline, strategically divided into three distinct phases:
Phase 1 (Months 1-9):
Focus: Field expeditions, specimen collection, and identification.
Activities: Organize and execute field trips to different regions of the Zagros Mountains.
Collaborate with local experts and community members. Collect specimens representing a wide
range of plant diversity. Conduct specimen identification.
Phase 2 (Months 10-15):
Focus: Digitization process.
Activities: Allocate resources for imaging equipment and software. Capture high-quality images
of each specimen. Record detailed metadata. Begin the digitization process.
Phase 3 (Months 16-18):
Focus: Online database development.
Activities: Develop the online database, focusing on user interface design, data organization, and
backend infrastructure. Prepare for project dissemination and knowledge sharing activities.
By following this plan, we aim to achieve our objectives effectively and ensure the successful
expansion and digitization of the Yasouj University Herbarium's collection.
Scoring Rubric
Reviewer's name:
Collection Improvement (max. 120 points)
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Facilitating access to the physical collections by digitization (e.g., data entry, setting up database structure with an outline of the platform to be used, purchasing equipment, and imaging specimens) – up to 30 points.
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Enhancing physical collections by improving the conservation status of specimens in the herbarium (e.g., better folders, protecting covers, mounting paper, labeling, etc.) – up to 30 points.
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Curating specimens (e.g., updating families, species identification, identifying types) – up to 20 points.
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Increasing our understanding of the flora or funga by making new herbarium specimens available, such as processing of backlog or collecting and mounting of new specimens from understudied sites – up to 20 points.
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Securing collections by distribution of duplicates (or orphan collections) to other regional or international herbaria or shipping endangered collections to another herbarium – up to 20 points.
This proposal scores:
/120
Methods & Funding (max. 40 points)
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Match between the proposed budget and methods for the aims described – up to 10 points.
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Perceived need, the extent to which the project will benefit from IAPT funding: e.g., due to active floristic work or contribution to poorly collected sites, due to threatened conditions of collections, and for the degree of involvement of others (outreach and education). We give more points for herbaria in low- and middle-income countries – up to 20 points.
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Sharing duplicate specimens with other herbaria – up to 10 points.
This proposal scores:
/40
Broader Impacts (max. 40 points)
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Degree of regional importance of the collection or the taxonomic importance of the targeted collection – up to 10 points.
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The project will yield durable benefits (specimens, digitized metadata, databases, websites) – up to 15 points.
-
The project involves outreach/mentoring and broad dissemination – up to 15 points.
This proposal scores:
/40
Year of last successful SCG application:
Has applicant applied for SCG before?:
Plan:
To achieve our objectives, our methodology involves a systematic and comprehensive approach:
- Analyze Existing Data: We will conduct a thorough analysis of existing botanical data to identify areas within the Zagros Mountains known for their unique biodiversity. This analysis will help us pinpoint specific
locations for field expeditions and prioritize the collection of plant specimens from areas with
high conservation value.
- Field Expeditions: We will organize and execute extensive field expeditions to collect and identification plant specimens from various microhabitats and altitudinal zones within the Zagros Mountains. These
expeditions will be led by experienced botanists and accompanied by trained field assistants.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: Collaboration with local botanists and conservation organizations will be essential to ensure comprehensive coverage of the region and access to remote areas.
- Digitization Process: Upon collection, each specimen will undergo a rigorous digitization process. We will utilize state-of-the-art imaging technology to capture high-resolution photographs of specimens from multiple angles. Detailed metadata, including species information, collection location, habitat description, and ecological data, will be recorded for each specimen.
- Online Database Development: We are committed to developing a user-friendly online database to host the digitized collection. This database will allow researchers to access to the specimens.
Institution:
IH Code:
Country:
Target areas:
Applicant First Name/s:
email:
"Other" target:
Robabeh Shahi Shavvon
Applicant Last Name/s: