Re: a paleontological perspective --- Thank you Ryan for your comment and the article. My field is archaeology, but I work in particular on issues related to the illicit trafficking of cultural goods, so that I also know well what is happening or has happened in the field of paleonthology, which is not very different from what happens in archaeology. Whether it is to fight against illicit trafficking or to establish more fair and equitable scientific practices, I think that you have touched two essential points: first, in this type of research must be involved researchers from the host country and not only for supporting the collection of data or specimen, but to participate actively in the research throughout all the project, from the conception to the dissemination of the results. The other important point is the involvement of the local communities to raise awareness and engage them given that this is a heritage which is part of their history and from which they must also benefit. I am working in Mexico as a member of a foreign (Italian) archaeological project, as part of a bilateral cooperation agreement. It was not mandatory, but we decided to co-lead the project with a team of Mexican researchers and to develop it in an inclusive and participative way for the local community that lives on part of the archaeological site, including awareness-raising and training activities. I agree with you and I do think that today certain practices and approaches should be integrated automatically and it would be worthwhile to discuss them during the establishment of bilateral scientific cooperation agreements between countries or institutions.

Source author: Aura Fossati aura.fossati@gmail.com