Connecting tradition and technology: The digitization of the ethnobotanical collection at the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden

Societal Impact Statement The digitization of RBetno (JBRJ) represents a step forward for biodiversity conservation in Brazil. Aligned with the Kunming‐Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (Target 2, 2020–2030), this project documents the use of plants, including traditional knowledge and vernacular names, with a focus on the Atlantic Forest and Amazon. This initiative recognizes traditional communities, guardians of this ancestral knowledge, and creates an accessible biocultural repository. It allows new generations to reconnect with their heritage, strengthening memory and identity. This project demonstrates how technology can be utilized for biocultural conservation, providing data to inform future conservation policies and enhance the traceability of traditional knowledge. Summary The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden (JBRJ) maintains approximately 950,000 specimens in its collections, including the Ethnobotanical Collection (RBetno). These collections are important for understanding Brazilian biodiversity, supporting global conservation initiatives, and adhering to ethical guidelines for accessing traditional knowledge. As one of the largest herbaria in the Global South, the JBRJ prioritizes the digitization of its collection. This research focused on digitizing the RBetno to document traditional knowledge about plant use and vernacular names, particularly from the Atlantic Forest and the Amazon. This effort is considered essential for understanding Brazilian sociobiodiversity. The digitization process followed the protocols of the REFLORA Digitization Manual. The steps included data entry into the Jabot system, barcode generation and application, and high‐resolution image capture using full‐frame cameras (26–40 megapixels) with macro lenses, ensuring accurate detail. The digitized data were published according to GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility) standards, making the information valuable for responsibly recording traditional knowledge, supporting research on plant use, and facilitating traceability and comparison with historical data. The digitization of the RBetno collection is essential for preserving traditional knowledge and fostering collaborative and intercultural research. The project also promotes awareness and education about Brazil's biocultural heritage.