Getting permission for seed collecting

The formal signing of the Agreement between the Millennium Seed Bank
Project and the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide in South Australia. (Photo: Botanic Gardens of Adelaide)

Collectors need to get permission from owners or managers of land on which seed collecting takes place. In many cases, such as collecting from rare or threatened species, from protected areas, or from most countries rich in biodiversity, there are formal procedures to be followed when requesting a collecting permit according to national laws. Collectors could be prosecuted for failing to follow all local, national and international laws and regulations, and so it is essential to take advice from local collaborators, government offices, and biologists who have experience in the region to find out what will be necessary.

Permit conditions often require that a full set of specimens are provided to a national institution at the conclusion of the fieldwork, and sometimes provide for representatives of the environment authority or landowner to accompany collectors during the work. It is standard practice for expedition reports and any publications resulting from the work to also be shared with the host country.

As Kew increasingly works through partnerships, we are able to offer a broader range of benefits including joint research opportunities and capacity-building for our technical partners.

Next: Expeditions