Small Collections Grant
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CACTACEAE COLLECTION AT IMBIV –FCEFYN–UNC: CONSERVATION, RESEARCH, AND OUTREACH
Argentina
Database, Curate specimens, Digitally image, Conserve, Other
Cost (USD):
2000
CORD
Instituto Mutidisciplinario de Biologia Vegetal
Objective:
The objective of this project is to consolidate the Cactaceae collection of IMBIV–Museo Botánico de Córdoba (Herbarium CORD) as an integrated, voucher-based taxonomic infrastructure by articulating within a unified system the living specimens, herbarium vouchers (CORD), silica gel tissue collection, seed bank, palynological collection, and image archive. This integration will ensure full documentary and biological traceability and enhance the collection’s value as a platform for systematic, evolutionary, and conservation studies.
Timetable:
Months 1–3: Revision and standardization of the existing Excel database; taxonomic verification using updated nomenclatural sources; definition of data fields; assignment of unique identifiers; georeferencing verification where needed.
Months 4–6: Migration of data to a structured database format; preparation of datasets for publication; implementation of update and maintenance protocols; staff training in database management.
Months 5–8: Comprehensive assessment of the living collection; verification and renewal of labels (including QR codes); taxonomic updates; repotting of specimens requiring substrate or container replacement.
Months 7–10: Integration of herbarium voucher data (CORD), silica gel samples, seed and pollen collections into the database; preparation of new voucher specimens when available; photographic documentation.
Months 9–12: Organization of the collection according to subfamilies and tribes; implementation of QR-based educational content; upload of records to GBIF and Conicet Digital; outreach activities and workshops.
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
0
Year of last successful SCG application:
Has applicant applied for SCG before?:
Yes, but it was unsuccessful
Plan:
-Data Standardization and Migration: The existing Excel-based records will be migrated into a structured, interoperable format that aligns with international biodiversity data standards. This process includes incorporating detailed metadata for every associated resource—including living specimens, herbarium vouchers (CORD), silica gel tissues, seeds, pollen samples, and images—to ensure full biological traceability.
-Taxonomic and Physical Curation: Verification: Researchers will update and verify taxonomic determinations using current literature and nomenclatural standards.
Maintenance: Technical staff and interns will perform essential curatorial tasks, including label renewal and specimen transplantation to ensure the health of the living collection.
-Organization: Special collections (carpological, palynological, and image archives) will be systematically reorganized into a unified system.
-Global Integration and Outreach: To enhance visibility, the standardized dataset will be published on global platforms like GBIF and the Argentine Biodiversity Information System, following security protocols for sensitive geographic data. Finally, the institutional website will be expanded to strengthen scientific outreach and awareness of cactus conservation.
Institution:
IH Code:
Country:
Target areas:
Applicant First Name/s:
email:
Scientific outreach and institutional website expansion
"Other" target:
Maria Laura
Las Peñas
Applicant Last Name/s: