Digitization and open access to the type collection of the Historical Herbarium of the Scientific Society of Paraguay
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32480/rscp.2025.30.2.114128Keywords:
open Access, conservation, digitization, historical herbarium, botanical heritageAbstract
Herbaria represent the most important reference for nomenclatural type studies, as they are considered the foundation of plant taxonomy. The conservation of herbaria remains one of the most significant long-term challenges, as it involves protecting and maintaining plant collections under appropriate conditions to ensure their future study and use. The Historical Herbarium of the Sociedad Científica del Paraguay (SCP), registered in the Index Herbariorum, safeguards botanical collections that are fundamental for taxonomic research and the conservation of the national plant heritage. In order to preserve this legacy and facilitate access to its information, a systematic digitization process has been initiated. To date, slightly more than 3,100 specimens have been scanned, including 34 type specimens and the neotype of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Bertoni. This initiative not only enables remote access to unique specimens such as the holotype of Pavonia restiaria Bertoni, but also directly aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.
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