Small Collections Grant
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Enhancing Conservation, Digitization, and Taxonomic Capacity at the Nangui Abrogoua University Herbarium (UNAB), Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire
Database, Curate specimens, Digitally image, Conserve
Cost (USD):
3000
UNAB
Nangui Abrogoua University
Objective:
The general objective is to enhance the conservation, scientific value, and accessibility of the UNAB Herbarium as a reference platform for research and education. Specific goals include: (1) improving physical conservation with archival materials , (2) mounting and curating 800 additional specimens , (3) digitizing 1,000 samples for a new database , (4) training 60 students in taxonomy , and (5) filling taxonomic gaps by collecting new Podostemaceae species. These actions will modernize the infrastructure to support Ivorian biodiversity
Timetable:
Months 1–2: Procurement and Setup. Acquisition of archival materials (acid-free paper, glue) and digitization equipment. Setup of the freezing protocol for pest management.
Months 3–8: Curation and Mounting. Intensive period of mounting and labeling 800 specimens. This phase includes supervised student internships for practical training.
Months 4–10: Digitization. Continuous imaging and data entry for 1,000 specimens into the new database.
Months 5, 7, and 9: Training Workshops. Organization of three practical workshops for L3, M1, and M2 students on taxonomy and management.
Months 6–7: Field Mission. Targeted mission to collect Podostemaceae species during the optimal seasonal window.
Months 11–12: Final Integration and Reporting. Finalizing the database, documenting new collections, and submitting the final scientific report to the donor.
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?:
No
Plan:
To meet these objectives, the project will implement a structured methodology focused on infrastructure, digitization, and training:
Conservation and Curation: We will procure archival-grade materials, including acid-free paper, folders, and pH-neutral glue. A standardized freezing protocol for all incoming specimens will be established to ensure pest management , alongside a monitoring system. We aim to mount and label at least 800 priority specimens.
Digital Transition: We will acquire a dedicated imaging system (stand and camera/smartphone) to digitize 1,000 specimens. These will be integrated into a new database to enhance international accessibility.
Capacity Building: The herbarium will host three practical workshops specifically for L3, M1, and M2 students. These sessions, along with supervised curation internships, will train 60 students in modern taxonomy and collection management.
Taxonomic Enrichment: A targeted field mission will be organized in high-potential areas to collect Podostemaceae. This mission aims to collect 5–8 new species to fill current taxonomic gaps.
Sustainability: Nangui Abrogoua University (UNAB) will integrate these activities into its permanent curriculum and ensure annual maintenance of the acquired equipment.
Institution:
IH Code:
Country:
Target areas:
Applicant First Name/s:
email:
"Other" target:
Danho Fursy-Rodelec
NEUBA
Applicant Last Name/s: