Small Collections Grant
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Digitising KUELAP Herbarium to Assist in the Conservation of the Peruvian Andes-Amazon Transition: A Biodiversity Hotspot
Peru
Database, Digitally image, Process backlog, Ship
Cost (USD):
2000
KUELAP
KUELAP Herbarium of the Faculty of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences, National University Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas
Objective:
- Digitise the KUELAP Herbarium collection and metadata.
- Create and standardise the database using international conventions.
- Democratise the collection by making it available as a virtual herbarium on public platforms.
- Enhance visibility and foster research by promoting these new resources.
- Process and mount backlog specimens, integrate them into the herbarium and distribute duplicates to partner herbaria.
- Highlight the significance of the herbarium for biodiversity conservation through outreach activities with local authorities and a mentorship initiative.
Timetable:
We anticipate a six-month timeline for the project, with most of the time dedicated to specimen digitization and data management. The process begins with 30 days for acquiring necessary equipment and materials, followed by 17 days for setup. Digitization will take 75 days, running concurrently with 30 days for metadata standardization.
Collaboration with MOBOT and ATRIUM will require 45 days to establish agreements and 90 days to integrate data into their platforms.
Backlog processing is structured as follows: 30 days for specimen drying, 45 days each for herbarium sheet preparation and mounting, 10 days for specimen shipment, 5 days for backlog integration, and 20 days for database integration. Taxonomic standardization and final submission to GBIF are expected to take 30 days.
To ensure long-term sustainability, the project includes an 80-day mentorship program, along with 15 days for management and networking, 5 days for botanical collection training, and 5 days for workshops.
The project spans six months, with an additional two-month buffer to ensure a thorough and efficient completion.
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
Year of last successful SCG application:
Has applicant applied for SCG before?:
Plan:
KUELAP Herbarium areas of influence are the Amazonas & Cajamarca regions, home to 15% of Peru’s Key Biodiversity Areas. It houses a growing collection of 4300 well-curated specimens, primarily orchids and rubiáceas, with most of the collection determined by experts. IAPT support may be the stepping stone to boost its global visibility & attract botanists worldwide.
Digitisation will follow a workflow(a), using a technician-operated setup (camera, lighting & standard tools for colour accuracy). Specimens will be imaged w/FADGI 3-star standards. Metadata will be standardised using GBIF’s Integrated Publishing Toolkit, and the World Checklist of Vascular Plants for taxonomic revision. To ensure long-term accessibility and sustainability, the digital herbarium will be hosted in ATRIUM (supported by San Diego Zoo) & TROPICOS; while the dataset will be available on GBIF to enhance global research contributions. Staff will process the backlog, mounting and integrating specimens into the herbarium while preparing duplicates for partner herbaria, prioritizing endemic and endangered species. Outreach activities within the UNTRM, include a webpage where project outcomes will be communicated. Workshops with the local population will highlight the herbarium’s role in biodiversity conservation, with students trained in accessing and utilizing digital resources, while a mentorship program will develop expertise in herbarium management. (a) Harris KM, Marsico TD. Appl Plant Sci. 2017
Institution:
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Applicant First Name/s:
email:
Mentorship Program
"Other" target:
Betty Sopla Mas
Applicant Last Name/s: