The decision by Duke University to close their herbarium is deeply concerning. Herbaria are not just repositories of plant specimens, they are living libraries of life on Earth. They hold the keys to understanding our planet's diverse flora and provide invaluable resources for research, education, and conservation efforts.

According to the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC), there are approximately 3,000 active herbaria worldwide which house an estimated 350 million specimens - an irreplaceable source of information on Earth's biodiversity (source: GSPC). The closure of Duke's herbarium would mean a significant loss in this global effort.

Duke University has always been known as a beacon of scientific research and education. Its commitment towards advancing knowledge should not waver when it comes to preserving our natural heritage. By closing their herbarium, they risk losing valuable opportunities for future discoveries that could have profound impacts on our understanding of the world.

If you are an advocate for biodiversity and species discovery, and believe that herbaria play a crucial role in this field, we urge you to join ABLS, AIBS, ASPT, BSA, ESA, iDigBio, NSCA, SHC, and SPNHC in asking Duke University to reconsider this decision. Let us stand together in support of biodiversity research and preservation - sign this petition today!

Thank you,
American Bryological and Lichenological Society (ABLS)
American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS)
American Society of Plant Taxonomists (ASPT)
Botanical Society of America (BSA)
Ecological Society of America (ESA)
Entomological Society of America (ESA)
Integrated Digitized Biocollections (iDigBio)
Natural Science Collections Alliance (NSCA)
Society of Herbarium Curators (SHC)
The Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC)

Interested in doing more?
Consider contacting Duke's President, Vincent Price to voice your concern:
president@duke.edu
Office of the President
Duke University
207 Allen Building
Box 90001
Durham, NC 27708-0001
phone: 919-684-2424 | fax: 919-684-3050