Pathetic, Species Name Auction To Obtain Funds

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesia's natural wealth has not been much explored. One reason for lack of funds. Rosichon Ubaidillah M. Phil, the newly appointed as a research professor of zoology by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences, revealed that one of the steps can be taken to obtain research funding is through the auction of species names.

"The money earned can be rotated to support research and development of young researchers," said Rosichon, Wednesday (21/12/2011), who focuses on insect taxonomic groups Eulophinae.

Name of Ani Yudhoyono also been used as names of species of butterflies, Delias Kristianiae.
According to him, this way, has proven its effectiveness to support the research. A number of species ever auctioned in Monaco with intermediaries Conservation International (CI). Earned money given to LIPI for human resource development.
"With the money, there are five taxonomic researchers now study abroad. All of studying the taxonomy of marine organisms for which was auctioned last species," said Rosichon.
Auction mechanism species name, he says, is done by offering a new species that have not been named to a number of parties. Interested parties then expressed willingness to pay an agreed sum of money.
In Indonesia, said Rosichon, which offered the party could come from the entrepreneurs, state leaders, or other interested parties support the research.
According Rosichon, auction species name has become a common thing commonly done. Abroad, there are about 500 names of species that are named with the name of famous figures. Sample only the name of Queen Victoria which has also been immortalized into a species name Victoria Amazonica.
However, in Indonesia, these efforts need to be introduced over time so that many people are interested. To attract, Rosichon ever offered for selected species of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
"At that time we brought about 40 new species names of candidates to be elected President (Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono)," said Rosichon an award winning author of entomology (the study of insects) Best Publication of Blackwell in 2003.
Bids to the President is expected to give a strong attraction to bring diverse societies. In addition, the name of the First Lady Ani Yudhoyono also been used as names of species of butterflies, Delias Kristianiae. Unfortunately, that effort was rejected before it gets to the President.
"Because we are under the Ministry of Research and Technology, at that time we were asked to submit their passing. In fact, it's cumbersome bureaucracy and long," said Rosichon.
Currently, Rosichon is working on other ways to achieve goals. He mentioned, by the number of many species, the auction's name could potentially generate substantial funds.
Rosichon explains, naming species using the names of famous not only oriented to get the money, but also create awareness about the need for research, especially taxonomy, for the progress of the nation.
"We can improve the competitiveness and independence in knowledge if research is done. As long as we depend on foreign researchers," he said.
Rosichon revealed, taxonomies are often considered less to contribute. In fact, taxonomic research is essential before the use of a certain organisms do. Taxonomy is also important, because 40 percent of the world economy depends on biodiversity products.
Indonesia as one of the signatory is obliged to reveal the COP 10 existing biological wealth. One that needs to be done now is supporting the funding and development of human resources for taxonomic research.