Guidelines for the effective and ethical sampling of herbaria

Area of Science:

• Botany
• Biodiversity Science
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Herbaria are vital for scientific discovery and biodiversity conservation.
• Digital, open-access herbarium data enhances the use of physical collections for research.
• Multi-omics investigations (genomics, transcriptomics, etc.) on specimens yield new insights but risk specimen destruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide recommended best practices for sustainable, equitable, and ethical sampling of herbarium specimens.
• To guide researchers (users) and collection managers (stewards) in specimen sampling.
• To ensure the long-term preservation of irreplaceable herbarium collections.

Main Methods:

• Development of a set of best practices based on current research trends and ethical considerations.
• Recommendations tailored for both researchers utilizing specimens and those managing collections.
• Focus on balancing scientific advancement with specimen preservation.

Main Results:

• A framework for responsible specimen sampling is proposed.
• Guidelines address the destructive nature of multi-omics sampling.
• Emphasis on equitable access and ethical considerations in specimen use.

Conclusions:

• Implementing these best practices is essential for the sustainable use of herbarium collections.
• Balancing scientific inquiry with specimen conservation ensures the legacy of these collections for future generations.
• Collaboration between users and stewards is key to safeguarding global biodiversity heritage.