Small Collections Grant
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Processing specimen backlog, mounting and restoration, and database updating of the Jardín Botánico de Cartagena “Guillermo Piñeres” Herbarium (JBGP)
Colombia
Database, Conserve
Cost (USD):
3000
JBGP
Cartagena Botanical Garden
Objective:
The objective of this project is to systematically process backlog specimens through prioritized mounting and restoration using archival conservation standards at the JBGP herbarium. By applying structured selection criteria and standardized documentation protocols, the project will improve specimen preservation, reduce backlog, and update the database with at least 300 records to strengthen long-term collection management and research accessibility.
Timetable:
Month 1: Assessment of backlog specimens, application of prioritization criteria, acquisition of archival mounting and conservation materials, refinement of workflow.
Months 2–4: Mounting of non-processed specimens and restoration of damaged material following herbarium conservation standards. Stabilization, rehousing, and replacement of deteriorated mounting sheets. Ongoing documentation and metadata review using Darwin Core standards.
Month 5: Completion of mounting and restoration targets, database verification and quality control, recording of conservation actions, preparation of updated records for publication.
Month 6: Publication of updated records through the existing GBIF dataset and display on the institutional portal, development and publication of a standardized herbarium mounting protocol, final internal evaluation and reporting.
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
2020
Year of last successful SCG application:
Has applicant applied for SCG before?:
Yes, and it was successful
Plan:
The project will begin with a systematic assessment of the herbarium backlog to identify and prioritize non-processed and damaged specimens based on physical condition, taxonomic relevance, and regional importance within the Colombian Caribbean flora. A structured workflow will ensure efficient processing and measurable outputs.
Archival-quality mounting paper, conservation adhesives, and acid-free folders will be acquired and used to mount unprocessed specimens and restore damaged material following established herbarium conservation standards. Restoration actions will include stabilization of detached fragments and replacement of deteriorated mounting sheets to prevent further degradation.
At least 200 specimens will be mounted and restored, and a minimum of 300 records will be updated in the database. Each specimen will be documented using Darwin Core standards, with metadata reviewed and standardized. Updated records will be published through an existing GBIF dataset and displayed on the institutional hosted portal.
Conservation actions will be recorded within the database to integrate physical improvements with digital collection management. Progress will be monitored periodically to ensure quality control and completion of project targets. Additionally, a standardized herbarium mounting protocol will be developed and published on the hosted portal.
Institution:
IH Code:
Country:
Target areas:
Applicant First Name/s:
email:
"Other" target:
Maria Paula
Contreras
Applicant Last Name/s: