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Minutes of IAB Council Meeting, held in Crystal Crown Hotel,
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 26 July 2007 at 5.15 pm
1. Substitute Secretary. As Geert Raeymaekers not present, David Long was appointed by chair as substitute secretary to record the minutes
2. Roll call.
Janice Glime, USA (chair)
David G. Long, UK (substitute secretary)
Uwe Drehwald, Germany
Zhang Li, China
Min Chuah-Petiot, Kenya
Tomas Hallingbäck, Sweden
Misha Ignatov, Russia
Benito C. Tan, Singapore
Patrick Dalton, Australia (proxy for Christine Cargill)
Masanobu Higuchi, VP, Japan
3. Quorum determined.
4. Awards Recipients
Richard Spruce Award
JG reported this (plaque) to be awarded to Prof. Jeffrey G. Duckett. Due to Karen Renzaglia’s absence the plaque has been mailed to the meeting for the award ceremony next day.
Hattori Award
JG reported this (certificate and $400 US) to be awarded in absentium to Bill and Nancy Malcolm for their illustrated bryological glossary. [Alison Downing accepted the award on their behalf.]
Student Travel Awards
JG reported that all 5 applicants had been successful and were awarded $200 each. Money was made available from dues collections in Japan.
5. Treasurer’s Report
As Treasurer (Blanka Shaw) absent, J.G. reported as follows:
That exact IAB assets are not clear as ‘subscription collectors’ in several countries keep these funds locally. Cao Tong (collector for China) has suggested to IAB that Chinese sub could be raised from the current equivalent of ~$3 US, and he hopes to increase Chinese membership of IAB from 40 to 60.
On-going expenses: S.R. Gradstein has been funding the IAB website at University of Goettingen, but after this year IAB must pay c $120 US per annum for this service. JG considered that IAB can afford this but not easily; several universities in USA run such websites free of charge, IAB will make approaches; an important condition is that Uwe Drehwald (webmaster) must retain direct access. Missouri Botanical Garden to be approached by JG.
Ben Tan asked if Bryonet could host IAB website.
JG responded that this is not practical as she will retire soon.
JG proposed approval of Treasurer’s Report; motion carried (unanimous).
6. Role of IAB Secretary
JG reported that the main task of the Secretary is to take minutes at meetings; she recommended clarification of the roles of Secretary and Treasurer.
7. Bryological Times and Tropical Bryology.
Bryological Times: In absence of Editor of BT (Geert Raemaekers) JG reported that Geert has proposed that BT should be made available to all, not just IAB members. Treasurer (BS) had objected to this on grounds that it would remove impetus to pay dues, and IAB could lose members.
JG proposed that GR’s proposal be withdrawn.
Tropical Bryology: JG reported that currently TB has 2 editors; one of these (Dietmar Quandt) has suggested that IAB sponsor TB.
JG: suggested IAB should not be financially responsible for TB.
JG requested opinions as to whether IAB should pursue the question of IAB ownership and a possible reduced subscription to TB for IAB members.
BCT: had gained a slightly different story from DQ, that IAB should own TB, but only with limited financial support from IAB, and increasing subscription by $1 US.
BCT: felt that currently TB is breaking even on subscriptions, and proposed that IAB should take over ownership of TB.
David Long commented that if IAB owned TB the editors would expect some funding.
Tomas Hallingbäck advocated IAB support for TB.
DGL commented that ‘Tropical’ only covers part of IAB interests.
BCT replied that DQ would agree to change of name for TB if necessary, and that it already had an ISSN number and that change of name was easy.
Zhang Li suggested that IAB members be grouped into different subscription categories:
Ordinary Members – access BT free Second category (pay more) – free electronic access to both BT and TB Third category (pay most) – get hard copies of BT and TB.
Uwe Drehwald: commented that it is important to get these subscription levels right, but that first the ownership issue should be resolved.
BCT pointed out that as TB is still owned by Jan-Peter Frahm, IAB would have to buy ownership from him.
Masanobu Higuchi: commented that if title changed, the role of TB would also change, and that it is important to know more details of the proposed changes before making a decision.
JG asked if IAB Council should continue the discussion; answer yes (unanimous).
Access to Bryological Times
Proposal 2007-8 (Free Access to BT) was withdrawn.
New Proposal 2007-11: Access to Bryological Times will be removed for those whose IAB dues are overdue by changing the password.
JG suggested one option is to change password for each new issue of BT.
UD suggested changing password at beginning of each year.
Proposal 2007-11 proposed by DGL, seconded by Min Petiot. Vote: 7 for, 1 opposed, 1 abstention. Motion carried.
Patrick Dalton suggested posting front page of each new issue of BT on IAB website.
This agreed unanimously.
Back issues of Bryological Times.
UD requested discussion of GR’s proposal to scan old issues of BT to place on IAB website.
UD supported making old issues of BT available to public, possibly via Google.
GR had requested a small budget to make pdf’s of old issues of BT (these need to be scanned as tif or pdf file (read-only)). GR had offered to do scanning.
General discussion of this – scans are needed from early1970’s (first issue) to 1993. Budget requested by GR is only for scanning, not for hardware purchase.
BCT suggested we agree in principle to let JG negotiate with GR over scanning and budget for it.
MI pointed out that there is no index or reference list to back issues of BT.
JG suggested compiling a searchable pdf for all tables of contents.
PD suggested new tables of contents might be needed.
JG summarised the discussion: that we agree to the scanning of back issues in principle, but before proceeding we get a price from GR.
8. Conservation Committee.
JG reported that we have a report from the Conservation Committee.
TH reported that the membership list was incomplete, with two recent changes: Ron Porley (UK) has replaced Nick Hodgetts; Norbert Schneider (Switzerland) has replaced Edi Urmi.
Sustainable Harvesting Guidelines.
JG reported that a sub-committee has developed the Sustainable Harvesting Guidelines.
BCT pointed out that when CC met the previous day the only question of principle was that acceptable guidelines could differ from country to country; i.e. regional guidelines could be put into an appendix; the main ones are international.
JG suggested that: Authority be delegated to Conservation Committee to develop Sustainable Harvesting Guidelines further, then place these on IAB wesbsite.
Proposed: MC-P, seconded ZL; motion carried unanimously.
Conservation and Endangered Species Grants
JG commented that the criteria, frequency, etc., should be put on IAB website – these were not clear to IAB members.
TH noted that in the past a notice was placed in BT inviting applications for the awards.
JG stated that the amount was unclear.
BCT pointed out a past award to China for a workshop totalled approx. $1,000 US.
TH advocated an upper limit.
BCT suggested $600 US as an upper limit, and that Dale Vitt’s original idea was to provide ‘seed money’ to students and others for bryophyte conservation.
JG: proposed the title be changed to avoid confusion with other IAB Awards.
Council therefore approved re-naming ‘Conservation Awards’ to ‘Conservation and Endangered species Grants.’
The following Guidelines were agreed after discussion:
Open only to IAB members. Amount normally up to $600 US per applicant. Grants may be made at any time provided funds are available. Grants to be announced on IAB website and BT. Priority will be given to projects focusing on rare species, habitats or bryophyte hotspots in high need of conservation actions. The proposal should contain: A. description of project; B. its rationale; C, activities; D, budget; E, expected outputs.
The following points should be noted: - Is the species, habitat or hotspot vulnerable, threatened or endangered? If not, does this study intend to collect data for identifying the status of a potentially endangered or threatened species, or is the study species used as a model for a threatened or endangered species, and, if so, please specify how the study will help conservation efforts. Is the species (and possible study) included in the IUCN SSC Bryophyte Action Plan (Hallingbäck & Hodgetts 2000)? Has the conservation significance, impact and outcome of the study been clearly identified and stated? Is there any other commentary on the nature of the threat and corrective action? Is the study, education plan, or other action proposed sound in respect to what is known about the species/ habitat/ people? Is there sound methodology in the proposal? Are there experienced project principals? Is there a training content involving local people? Grant applications should be sent to the Chair of the Conservation Committee. Additional information can be seen on the IAB website and Conservation Committee web pages. The Conservation Committee will recommend applications it deems suitable for funding; the IAB Council will make final approval. (new). A Budget Report and Project Report must be submitted within 2 years to Conservation Committee. Any resulting publications must be sanctioned by IAB.
It was also agreed that if a member of the Conservation Committee wishes to apply, they must have no involvement in the discussions.
9. IAB Guidelines on Genetic Modification of Bryophytes
JG raised the topic for discussion, with the suggestion that IAB appoint a committee to look into the matter, and if necessary develop guidelines. She suggested Brent Mishler be approached initially, and that a population ecologist be included in the committee.
JG stressed the dangers of gene transfer in bryophytes with potential dangers if modified bryophytes escape. Precautions should be drawn up.
Committee agreed that JG would approach BM. [JG note: BM has agreed and will ask Tomas Hallingbäck and Ralf Reski to join the committee. Recommendations should be reported to Council at least six months before the next IAB meeting.]
10. Membership and subscriptions.
JG reported that Blanka Shaw had agreed to put forward a brochure to advertise IAB, but this was not yet available. Council agreed that this was not a wise investment of money.
JG reported that several volunteers had come forward to sit on a Membership Committee, which Rosa Ros Espin had agreed to chair.
11. Council Representation and Voting
Proposal 2007-1: A quorum of nine persons is necessary for making decisions that require voting. Newly elected members of the council shall serve as alternates for the council. Members who are unable to be present for the Council meeting may name another IAB member who will attend to serve as substitute/proxy. The President must be informed of such designee prior to the meeting. In the event that a quorum is not reached, or business cannot be completed during the meeting, the President shall complete the business through email discussion and voting. There shall be no upper limit on the number of persons allowed to vote from among this group. Business may also be conducted between meetings, when necessary, by email vote of the Council. Ample time should be provided for email discussion before a final vote.
This proposal was agreed unanimously.
12. Multi-year dues
Proposal 2007-2: IAB dues may be paid for five years in advance with a discount of US $7.00 from the normal dues for five years (including the conservation fee). This discount only applies if the dues are paid to a collector who will provide such dues collections to the IAB treasurer.
Proposed by BCT; seconded by MC-P; carried unanimously.
13. Life Membership
JG reported that Proposal 2007-10 ("Life" membership) had been withdrawn.
14. Bryodiversity award name
There was discussion of Proposal 2007-3, particularly as to the nature of the award.
BCT proposed that no cash be awarded, only a plaque, and the motion was amended as follows:
Proposal 2007-3: A new award shall be established, beginning in 2009, to recognize outstanding contributions in bryodiversity. This award shall be called the Riclef Grolle Award for Excellence in Bryodiversity Research and is intended for bryologists who work in developing countries and still manage to contribute significantly to the knowledge of bryodiversity in bryophyte-rich areas such as the tropics or smaller regions therein or in bryologically unexplored areas. Recognition should consider such evidence as published work, outside grants and support, and establishment of facilities and collections in areas of need.
This will provide a plaque stating the relevance of the contribution of the recipient. The evaluation committee for this award should include at least three recognized specialists designated by the IAB President with the approval of the Executive Committee, to be appointed at least one year before each IAB meeting. The award will be given at most every two years at the IAB meeting if the committee feels any person is worthy of the award. The award can be granted only once for each individual. Care should be taken to encompass all geographical areas, with emphasis on bryologists working in high diversity regions or where they are working in isolation and still producing good results. In addition to nominations by the committee, nominations for the award should be open to all IAB members through the Bryological Times or email and must include supporting evidence for the nomination.
Motion proposed by DGL, seconded by MC-P; 8 in favour, 1 opposed, 1 abstention, motion carried.
However, the start date for the award was not agreed. [JG note: Since there is no monetary award, this can begin in 2009.]
15. Student presentation awards
JG reported that Proposal 2007-4 (Student Certificates of Honor) had been withdrawn.
16. Ties in elections
JG brought forward an amended Proposal 2007-5:
Proposal 2007-5: If a tie occurs for a position on the Council (position #5), both candidates will be considered elected council members. Both terms will expire at the same time and only one position will be considered vacant.
This amended motion proposed by BCT, seconded by MC-P, no further discussion, approved unanimously.
17. Elections
Council discussed Proposal 2007-6 and made minor amendments as relating to submission of photographs:
Amended proposal 2007-6. Election Protocol.
The election committee, which does not include the judge, shall prepare a slate of nominees, normally with at least two candidates for each position. In addition to their own nominations, the committee shall solicit nominations from the membership through the Bryological Times or email. The committee shall be responsible for preparing ballots and collecting the statements from the candidates. Each candidate for President shall submit a photograph and short biographical sketch including country and professional position, and a statement of no more than 200 words stating their contributions to IAB, their goals during presidency, and why they want to serve as president. All other candidates shall submit a photograph and short biographical sketch including country, professional position, contributions to IAB, and one sentence of why they want the IAB position designated. Statements from all nominees shall be included with the ballot or placed on the IAB website. If feasible, electronic passport-style pictures should be provided for each candidate. The location of these statements shall be indicated on the ballot. The judge shall notify the President as soon as election results are known and the President shall notify the candidates and the Executive Council of the results of the election in a timely manner.
Amended motion proposed by BCT, seconded by PD, carried unanimously.
18. Involvement of Membership
Council discussed Proposal 2007-7 and made amendments as follows:
Amended Proposal 2007-7: The membership shall be informed by email or the Bryological Times of the agenda and proposals to be discussed by the Executive Council at a meeting. The membership shall be informed of the decisions of Council.
Proposed by DGL, seconded by MC-P, no further discussion, carried unanimously.
19. Future IAB Meetings
2009 South Africa: no report has been received from Terry Hedderson; JG will approach him for update, and Dale Vitt for update on progress with the program for that meeting. [JG note: Council has now received an email requesting approval and suggestions for the meeting.]
2011 Melbourne, Australia: PD requested advice from Council on what is expected of an organising committee, for example on accommodation, scientific program, range of excursions, etc.
DGL suggested a ‘leader’ be nominated to organize a committee. Agreed that BCT would liaise with PD.
Meeting closed at 8.27pm.
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