Small Collections Grant
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Safeguarding the JBGP Herbarium by enhancing conservation, capacity, and long-term preservation
Colombia
Database, Process backlog, Conserve
Cost (USD):
2000
JBGP
Jardín Botánico de Cartagena "Guillermo Piñeres"
Objective:
The JBGP Herbarium is a key reference for Caribbean botany, housing historical specimens from renowned botanists like Gentry and important collections from understudied areas since the 1990s. However, abandonment from 2009 to 2015 led to deterioration. Since 2015, recovery efforts have improved operations, yet many specimens remain unstable, unprocessed, or improperly stored. This project will enhance conservation by replacing degraded materials, processing backlog specimens, engaging students in mounting activities, and updating GBIF with 500 new records.
Timetable:
Month 1:
Conduct herbarium condition assessment
Prioritize specimens needing urgent restoration
Purchase archival conservation materials
Months 2-3:
Hire intern to process backlog specimens (especially Sierra Nevada 2023 collection)
Train students in mounting techniques and conservation protocols
Begin replacement of degraded storage materials
Months 4-5:
Continue mounting backlog specimens
Complete replacement of degraded materials
Start developing collection management manual
Month 6:
Finalize and publish collection management manual
Implement preventive conservation measures
Month 7:
Update GBIF dataset with 500 new records
Final evaluation and reporting of project outcomes
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.
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The project involves outreach/mentoring and broad dissemination – up to 15 points.
This proposal scores:
/40
2021
Year of last successful SCG application:
Has applicant applied for SCG before?:
Plan:
To improve the conservation status and accessibility of the JBGP Herbarium, we will:
1. Assess specimen conditions and restoration: conduct a thorough evaluation to identify and prioritize specimens needing urgent conservation and restoration.
2. Replace degraded storage materials: use archival quality materials, acid-free folders, mounting paper, and protective covers to enhance long-term preservation.
3. Process backlog specimens and hire an intern: focus on mounting and integrating unprocessed collections, particularly from the 2023 Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta expedition. A two-month intern will be hired to assist with these efforts.
4. Engage students in mounting activities: train and involve students in specimen processing, fostering herbarium management skills and long-term sustainability.
5. Implement preventive conservation measures and develop a collection management manual: establish improved storage conditions and handling protocols to minimize future deterioration and create a collection management manual to guide best practices.
6. Update the GBIF dataset: incorporate at least 500 newly mounted specimens into the JBGP’s digital records, expanding access to Caribbean biodiversity data.
Institution:
IH Code:
Country:
Target areas:
Applicant First Name/s:
email:
"Other" target:
Maria Paula Contreras
Applicant Last Name/s: