Biological Collection & Specimen Ethics Policy
Purpose
IsoGentiX collects biological specimens and samples — including plant tissue, environmental DNA, soil microbiome samples, and voucher herbarium specimens — as part of its multi-omics data generation activities in Madagascar. This policy sets out the ethical standards that govern how collection is conducted, how material is handled and stored, and how data derived from collected material is attributed and used.
Collection authorisation
All biological collection is conducted under valid permits issued by the competent Malagasy national authority. No collection occurs outside the scope of a current, valid permit. Permit conditions — including species restrictions, quantity limits, location constraints, and deposition obligations — are strictly adhered to.
Where species of concern are encountered — including IUCN Red List threatened species and CITES-listed taxa — additional care is taken to ensure collection does not contribute to population-level harm. Where there is doubt, collection is deferred pending specific authorisation.
Minimum necessary collection
IsoGentiX applies the principle of minimum necessary collection. Sample quantities are determined by the scientific objectives of the authorised project. No material is collected speculatively or in excess of what is required for the stated analytical purpose. Where non-destructive sampling methods are available and scientifically adequate, they are preferred.
Specimen handling and chain of custody
All collected material is assigned a unique specimen identifier at point of collection. Chain of custody records — including collection date, location (GPS coordinates), collector, method, and initial processing steps — are maintained from field collection through to laboratory processing and archiving. Voucher specimens are deposited with designated Malagasy national institutions as required by permit conditions.
Transportation and export
Biological material is transported and, where applicable, exported only under valid CITES permits, phytosanitary certificates, and any other applicable national or international documentation. IsoGentiX does not facilitate the movement of biological material outside legal channels.
Data attribution
All datasets derived from collected material carry accurate metadata including collection provenance, permit reference, and — where traditional knowledge contributed to species identification or collection location — appropriate attribution to the knowledge holders. Data is not stripped of provenance information prior to licensing or publication.
Incident reporting
Any collection that inadvertently exceeds permit conditions, damages habitat, or involves a species later identified as requiring additional protection must be reported to the field lead and a director immediately. Corrective action and disclosure to the relevant authority will follow.