Creating an Online World Flora by 2020: a perspective from South Africa

Victor, Janine E.; Smith, Gideon F.; Turland, Nicholas J.; Roux, M.M. Le; Paton, Alan; Figueiredo, Estrela; Crouch, Neil R.; Wyk, A.E. van; Filer, Denis; Wyk, E. van

doi:10.1007/s10531-013-0595-0

Cited by 8 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…For example, the first strategic objective of the plant component of the Biosystematics Research Strategy for South Africa is to produce an online electronic Flora (e-Flora) of plants for the country by 2020, which will contribute to the first target of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC). The approach that will be followed by SANBI for development of the e-Flora has recently been published (Victor et al 2014), and involves collaborating with contributors countrywide to achieve the target.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A method for establishing taxonomic research priorities in a megadiverse country

2015

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A coordinated strategy for biosystematics research that addresses the needs of end-users can improve the relevance and impact of research products. The basic types of information that taxonomists provide, common to all organisms, are the names, descriptions, and a mechanism for identifying components of biodiversity, and associated data such as distribution information. This information is provided through taxonomic research.A biosystematics research strategy has been developed in South Africa to focus on the main gaps in taxonomic knowledge. A prioritisation process has been developed and applied to plants, but can potentially be used for all organisms. The methodology for development of the taxonomic priorities to formulate a research strategy is described. Determining priorities for taxonomic research and development of the strategy will facilitate bridging the gaps among compilers, users and implementers of taxonomic information, and streamline the taxonomy-conservation impediment.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A method for establishing taxonomic research priorities in a megadiverse country

2015

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“…There is still a need for further exploration of South Africa's biodiversity, so that improved foundational biodiversity information can be provided to end users (Victor et al 2015a). The e-Flora project (Victor et al 2013b), once delivered online in 2020, will continue to be maintained by the Biosystematics Division of SANBI, and further developed and improved. The global explosion of media, and information and communication technology, is moving the world from an industrial economy to a knowledge-based one.…”

Section: Current Priorities For Taxonomic Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Modern taxonomic research employs more complex methods of analysis including statistical/numerical techniques and phylogenetic analyses. The advent of easy and rapid electronic dissemination of taxonomic research products and data online has had a significant impact on the way in which such content is delivered to society, and increasingly such endeavours, partly driven by the availability of funding, are receiving global attention (Victor et al 2013b). This in turn influences the manner in which taxonomic work is prioritised and conducted.…”

Section: Conclusion and Future Prospectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

History and drivers of plant taxonomy in South Africa

2016

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The development of plant taxonomy in South Africa from about 1600 to 2015 is reviewed, with emphasis on the main driving factors that have influenced the research direction, techniques used, and choice of taxonomic research topic. In addition, key personalities and important historical events are highlighted. The early scientific interest in the flora of South Africa and, by implication, its taxonomy was initially driven by curiosity. Exploration of plants for economic purposes especially for medicinal use and later, agriculture, drove the scientific development of botany and formed the foundation of formal botany in the country. Establishment of botanical gardens and herbaria influenced botanical research, in particular the field of taxonomy. Technological advances lead to increased modernisation of taxonomy as new sources of information derived from other fields of botany were incorporated into taxonomic research. Funding priorities and availability of financial resources influence the taxonomic research that is conducted, and international initiatives that impact on priorities in biodiversity science have further impact on taxonomy. At present the predominant culture of taxonomy is directed towards electronic dissemination of taxonomic information, leading to increased accessibility and connectivity. Strategic planning of plant taxonomy in South Africa has become more formal as relevance and impact of research products increasingly need to be justified with respect to the financial costs of conducting taxonomic research.

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“…A volume on the remaining parts of the Northern Cape not treated in the Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region is in preparation, covering an estimated 3200 species, and will be submitted for publication in 2016. Completion of a Flora of KwaZulu-Natal would result in regional treatments covering the flora of the entire country (Victor et al 2013).…”

Section: Progress With Taxonomic Treatments Of South African Plantsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Plant taxonomic capacity in South Africa

et al. 2015

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South Africa's exceptionally rich and diverse flora faces challenges in terms of utilisation, management and conservation; these actions are underpinned by taxonomic research. The principal purpose of this review is to determine whether South Africa has the human capacity and resources to conduct taxonomic research that is required to support end-users of plant taxonomic information, and to identify shortages of capacity or resources that might prove to be an obstacle for plant taxonomic research. From an analysis of the existing gaps in taxonomic information, current research trends, and resources, it is apparent that there is a critical shortage of human capacity in South Africa to conduct plant taxonomic research for the benefit of biodiversity and society. Training institutions need to ensure the supply of suitably trained graduates including concentrating on those who meet Employment Equity targets. The need for more taxonomists is clearly justified, but may not be a priority in a country that already has such shortages of capacity in education and social services. Aside from lobbying for more jobs to be created, there is an urgent need to utilise available resources (human and other) effectively, and to implement a strategy for taxonomic research to ensure that priority activities are conducted.

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Creating an Online World Flora by 2020: a perspective from South Africa

Cited by 8 publications

References 12 publications

A method for establishing taxonomic research priorities in a megadiverse country

A method for establishing taxonomic research priorities in a megadiverse country

History and drivers of plant taxonomy in South Africa

Plant taxonomic capacity in South Africa

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