The VineSOS project addresses the main problems and challenges in the Greek-Bulgarian cross-border area, related to the local biodiversity and vine varieties, especially those within Natura 2000 sites.
The high level of local biodiversity is threatened by the loss of genetic resources due to climate change and human activities related to agriculture, tourism and urban development. Local vine varieties, thus demonstrating excellent adaptation to the microenvironment, are threatened by reduction or even disappearance as a result of the introduction of new varieties and contemporary wine production techniques.
The main project objective is to promote a comprehensive intervention mechanism that will enable the long term conservation of vines, and establish a CB conservation policy for local vine varieties based on molecular data and on-site research.
The Business & Exhibition Research and Development Insitute will actively contribute to the communication and dissemination part of the project, engaging mass media and publications of special interest. Furthermore, IEE will also provide expertise on the organization of workshops and on EU Legislative policies regarding Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).
Project Partners
- Executive Agency on Vine and Wine, Bulgaria (Lead Partner)
- Union of Eonologists, Bulgaria (Partner)
- Association Prosperity and Development, Bulgaria (Partner)
- Business & Exhibition Research and Development Insitute, Greece (Partner)
- Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki-Dpt. of Agricultural Technology, Greece (Partner)
Total Project Budget: € 1.116.107
IEE Project Budget: € 127.271
Project Actions
- Improving the conservation status of local vine varieties: Development of an Integrated Strategy towards the conservation of traditional vine varieties and establishment of PDO accreditation through joint recommendations to relevant authorities in both countries.
- Joint synthesis of an Ampelographic book: Recording of
local vine varieties and development of a data base supported by scientific data, such as DNA analysis and morphometric features.
- Establishment of a Training Center in Bulgaria: The sustainability of the project will be ensured by the Training Center, which will provide training and workshops to stakeholders in experimental fields and online. Promotion activities will also include development of specialized brochures and guidelines for sustainable agricultural practices translated in Greek, Bulgarian, English and Braille.