Small Collections Grant
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Enhancing infrastructure and developing a teaching collection for the herbarium HCUC at the Universidad de Cartagena (Colombia)
Colombia
Database, Process backlog, Conserve, Other
Cost (USD):
2000
HCUC
Universidad de Cartagena
Objective:
(1) Integrate backlogged specimens into research and education through processing and digitization (2) Enhance HCUC infrastructure for optimal specimen preservation and databasing by acquiring a dehumidifier and a computer (3) Enrich the teaching collection with locally abundant groups (Algae, Fungi, Angiosperms) and enhance underrepresented ones (Lichens, Mosses, Ferns, Gymnosperms) through local collections and national collaborations (4) Enhance taxonomic research capabilities and provide an enriched educational experience for students by utilizing the expanded herbarium collection.
Timetable:
Months 1-2: Begin local specimen collection, secure national collaborations, and acquire a dehumidifier and computer
Month 3: Finalize acquisition of infrastructure upgrades and start processing the backlog, with a focus on the databasing and digitization of existing specimens.
Months 4-5: Carry out expeditions to collect underrepresented plant groups. Begin the integration of new specimens into the botany courses for the upcoming semester.
Month 6: Continue processing both newly collected and backlogged specimens. Conduct in-class sessions to utilize the expanded collection for educational purposes.
Months 7-9: Finish processing/cataloging targeted specimens, integrate collections into botany courses with initial impact assessments, and solidify herbarium use in education while refining the digitization workflow.
Months 10-11: Conduct a thorough evaluation of the project's impact on research and educational outcomes.
Month 12: Finalize all project documentation and disseminate findings. Plan for the continuation of collection development and digitization based on the year's successes and challenges.
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:
Local Specimen Collection: Aim to collect 30 algae specimens and 50 of flowering plants from different families from Cartagena and its surroundings, which will be directly used to support hands-on educational activities in the botany courses each semester.
National Collaborations and Expeditions: Collaborate with national botanical gardens and research institutions to gather 25 lichen specimens, 25 moss specimens, 40 fern specimens, and 25 gymnosperm specimens. These expeditions will also support the educational goals, enriching the curriculum with a wide range of plant diversity.
Infrastructure Improvements: Equip the herbarium with a high-capacity dehumidifier and a dedicated computer system for the digitization of the collection. Prioritize the processing of backlog specimens, targeting to add 50 bryophyte, 80 fungi/lichen, and 100 pteridophyte records to the database, and to digitize the existing 800 databased seed plant specimens.
Teaching Collection Integration: Enhance the teaching collection with at least 150 new specimens from underrepresented groups, ensuring comprehensive coverage of plant evolution and diversity for the educational benefit of students.
Training and Educational Integration: Integrate the new collections into the regular semester botany courses, thus enriching the education of approximately 200 students annually. This will provide improved practical experiences in herbarium techniques, plant collection, and conservation practices.
Institution:
IH Code:
Country:
Target areas:
Applicant First Name/s:
email:
To develop a teaching collection
"Other" target:
Andres Orejuela
Applicant Last Name/s: