Conservation in situ and sustainable capitalization of the biological diversity of apple and pear varieties from the rural area Sibiel-Fântânele

We have aimed to involve civil society in the sustainable protection and valorisation of the natural heritage and the traditional rural landscape from the Sibiel – Fântânele area. The citizens of the two communities have discovered a new element of sustainable local development – the traditional orchard, new values of the universal natural heritage, traditional old varieties and new opportunities for capitalizing traditional local products. Over 1.800 people benefited from the project activities, such as fruit growing training and attending fairs as sellers, buyers or visitors. In order to preserve in situ the genetic treasure of apple and pear, we have made an inventory of 1,016 fruit trees and preserved 387 traditional fruit trees. Moreover, we have produced reports on the area’s pear and apple crops, we have drawn up the red list of traditional apple and pear varieties and we have identified several causes that lead to the disappearance of varieties and, implicitly, of traditional orchards. In addition, we have developed 2 eco-museum circuits with associated promotional tools so that we can harness sustainably the regional genetic heritage to improve our tourism services.

Executive AgencyTrai Verde FederationPartnersN/AContract NumberCSM 11ComponentEnvironmentCountySibiuImplementation areaLocalThematic areaSustainable rural developmentImplementation period01.07.2013-31.01.2015Budget of the project (CHF)62,784Swiss Contribution (CHF)56,500Project websiteN/AExecutive Agency websiteN/A