ASSESSING THE REGIONAL CONSERVATION STATUS OF PLANT DIVERSITY: RESULTS FROM DIGIVALPGR PROJECT

Abstract

Digitalization and valorization of local plant genetic resources are part from

innovative approaches, significantly contributing to sustainable preservation and use of biodiversity.

Combining ex situ/in situ/on farm conservation methods genebanks are answering the crop breeding

and farmers needs in the dynamic climatic, economic and social factors. Reintroduction of old and

traditional varieties, deeply connected to the agroecological conditions of the place of origin, are

one of the best approaches for creation of add value to the local production and agrotourism. This

opportunity is increasing the resilience of rural communities and regional development.

DIGIVALPGR project is focused on exploration of regions for their conservation status of plant

diversity. During the period 2024-2026 several expeditions were conducted and 49 local accessions

and collected. Regions of Svoge, Mezdra, Vratsa, Pazardzhik, Smolyan, Plovdiv, Blagoevgrad and

Yambol were investigated, arround 20 localities are described and a lot of local farmers were

interviewed. The passport data is following the FAO/Bioversity descriptors. For mapping the

genetic diversity hotspots and conservation-priority areas GIS (Geographic Information Systems) –

Based Approach was used. The use of smart technologies in support of the cause of public

responsibility for the preservation of plant biodiversity attracts not only specialists but also wide

number of people with ecological civic position. A convenient mobile application for open access to

the genebank documentation system has been created. This research work was carried out under the

SVK-BGR cooperation project DIGIVALPGR “Digitalization and valorization of local plant

genetic resources in Bulgaria and Slovakia in the framework of maintaining compatibility and

interoperability in the European area” with the financial support of Bulgarian National Science

Fund of the Ministry of Education and Science, Contract number КP-06-Slovakia/9/13.08.2024.