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Equipping the next generation of plant taxonomists: Insights and recommendations

Onderzoeksoutput: Bijdrage aan tijdschriftArtikelpeer review

  • Ana Rita G. Simões
  • Frederik Leliaert
  • Gemma L.C. Bramley
  • Ruth P. Clark
  • Rhian J. Smith
  • Manuel Luján
  • Ian Ondo
  • Matilda J.M. Brown
  • Gabriel K. Ameka
  • Catherine W. Lukhoba
  • Renata Borosova
  • Bente B. Klitgård
  • Chin Cheung Tang
  • Isabel Larridon
  • Alexandre Antonelli
Plant taxonomy underpins biodiversity research and conservation, but global disparities in training and resources hinder progress, especially in biodiversity-rich regions. Through a global survey of taxonomists and trainers, we reveal that 48% of countries have fewer than ten active plant taxonomists and that there are stark regional gaps in access to basic tools and infrastructure. A 'limitations index' highlights Angola, Benin, Botswana, Colombia, Sierra Leone, and Venezuela as facing the greatest challenges. To address these imbalances and build crucial taxonomic capacity, we advocate for inclusive and regionally adapted programs with improved access to infrastructure, engaging teaching methods, cascading mentorship, and stronger collaboration. Strategic investment in plant taxonomy training is essential to realizing the full potential of global plant diversity.
Highlights: We underscore the crucial role of taxonomy in supporting the documentation, study, conservation, and sustainable use of biodiversity. Based on a comprehensive global survey, we report large disparities in taxonomic expertise, training, and resources across the world.We show that the shortage of taxonomic expertise is largest in low-income and biodiversity-rich regions where species may become extinct even before being scientifically described. We provide concrete recommendations for addressing global disparities in taxonomic training to enhance capacity where it is most needed.
Originele taal-2Engels
TijdschriftTrends in Plant Science
Volume31
Nummer van het tijdschrift5
Pagina's (van-tot)677-691
Aantal pagina’s15
ISSN1360-1385
DOI's
StatusGepubliceerd - 2026

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  • DiSSCo Flanders 2.0: Enhancing access to Flemish collections through integration with DiSSCo

    Leliaert, F. (Promoter), Mergen, P. (Co-promoter), Groom, Q. J. (Co-promoter), Trekels, M. (Project coördinator), Verstockt, S. (Co-promoter), Bauters, K. (Co-promoter), Demarsin, B. (Co-promoter), Poot, N. (Co-promoter), Brendonck, L. (Co-promoter), Elsen, J. (Co-promoter), Muchez, P. (Co-promoter), Speijer, R. (Co-promoter), Van Campenhout, K. (Co-promoter), De Wever, A. (Co-promoter), Vanden Broeck, A. (Co-promoter), De Vos, B. (Co-promoter), Cox, K. (Co-promoter), Baert, K. (Co-promoter), Verstraeten, A. (Co-promoter), Teunen, L. (Co-promoter), Hostens, K. (Co-promoter), Van Huylenbroeck, J. (Co-promoter), Rasschaert, G. (Co-promoter), Pereboom, Z. (Co-promoter), Helsen, P. (Co-promoter), Vandepitte, L. (Co-promoter), van Frankenhuijsen, M. (Co-promoter), Van Aerde, N. (Co-promoter), Artois, T. J. (Co-promoter), Kmentová, N. (Co-promoter), Monnens, M. (Co-promoter), Vanhove, M. P. M. (Co-promoter), Ceulemans, T. (Co-promoter), Vanschoenwinkel, B. (Co-promoter), Dugardin, C. (Co-promoter), Silvestre, F. (Co-promoter), Lepoint, G. (Co-promoter), De Nil, K. (Co-promoter), Scory, S. (Co-promoter), Paleco, C. (Co-promoter), Lymer, G. (Co-promoter), Semal, P. (Co-promoter), Vanden Spiegel, D. (Co-promoter), Michiels, C. (Co-promoter), Martin, P. (Co-promoter), Meerts, P. (Co-promoter), Dupont, N. (PI), Gohy, L. (Co-promoter), Magain, N. (Co-promoter), Jacquemart, A.-L. (Co-promoter), Abraham, L. (Participant), Dillen, M. (Participant), Breugelmans, L. (Participant), De Smedt, S. (Participant), Engledow, H. (Participant), Tack, W. (Participant) & Bogaerts, A. (Participant)

    1/01/2531/12/28

    Project: Andere

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