The project mainly addresses common challenges and problems in the CB-area, related to the local biodiversity and vine varieties, especially those in Natura 2000 sites. The high level of local biodiversity is threatened by undesirable loss of genetic material due to climate change and human activities related to agricultural, tourism and urban development. Reduction or even disappearance of many local vine genotypes is the result of the contemporary wine production and the introduction of new varieties over the past years. Despite the introduction of foreign varieties, local ones have excellent adaptation to the microenvironment and their cultivation is contributing to the sustainability of natural resources in local level.

Being part of one local eco-system, the vine varieties in the CB-area are not biologically influenced by the administrative borders.

Their protection and conservation requires common measures and activities, which is the approach that this project provides. The project activities include:

– joint DNA analysis and research, joint trainings and workshops for representatives of the target group and the development of an Integrated Strategy for management of

Opening press conferences was held in on 09.05.2018 Sandanski, Bulgaria and on 10.05.2018  Thessaloniki, Greece of the project "SOS for endangered traditional varieties of vines

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, notwithstanding the fact that they demonstrate excellent adaptation to the microenvironment, are threatened by reduction or even disappearance as a result of the introduction of new vari