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 local biodiversity in terms of traditional vines.

The project will add high CB-value to the local management of eco-systems through the development of joint recommendations to relevant authorities and through the implementation of joint pilot actions such as the development of experimental fields for traditional vines and a specialized Ampelographic book. One of the main project activities will support the long term conservation and protection of local vines through the launching of the procedure for Protected Designation of Origin. This will contribute to the spread of traditional vine populations of both CB-regions , giving them unique identification and image, not only in national, but in a world level,

The main project objective is to promote and enable the long term conservation of vines, especially those in Natura 2000 and moreover to improve the conservation status of local vine varieties; to analyze and sustain local species through joint scientific work and to create mechanisms for protection and conservation of species in general that can be used for other species and regions.

The project promotion activities will target and address a specific group people with visual disabilities by the development of specialized brochures and Guidelines for sustainable agricultural practices in Braille.

The sustainability of the project will be ensured by the Training Center, established under the project, which will provide online and offline trainings to stakeholders after the project ends. The created partnership will add value to the partner organizations, increasing their capacity to work for the protection and conservation of the biodiversity.