Description
The project addresses the gradual loss of valuable local fruit and vegetable varieties in the village of Kurtovo Konare. The project aims at raising the public awareness about sustainable local development, biodiversity protection and environmentally-friendly lifestyle through a series of trainings and events. First, a database of the local varieties of fruit and vegetables will be created. Second, the local children, students and volunteers will take part in several training sessions on local varieties, healthy eating, environment protection, organic farming and permaculture. Third, the children and volunteers will create a local organic garden in the backyard of the community center. Finally, the seeds of local crops will be gathered, exhibited and sold at the annual festival of vegetables, traditional food and crafts in the village. The project will benefit the children, students and volunteers involved, the elderly, small farmers and the local community in general.
Summary of project results
Focused on the loss of wildlife, we have missed to see the gradual extinction of valuable local cultivars which are also part of biodiversity on the Earth. In the early 20th century more than 100 local varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs were grown in Kurtovo Konare, including the Kurtovka apple and the pink tomato. Some of them no longer exist and the others are grown in highly limited quantities. The project helped us attempt to preserve, revive and grow them. The project promoted environmentally-friendly horticulture and vegetable growing and the revival of the old local varieties, agricultural and artisan practices. The project built the capacity of various social groups and improved the connection between the generations. The project united the community for future joint work related to the conservation of local variety biodiversity. The expected outcome was a more committed local community using environmentally-friendly methods and having kept its cultural traditions and agricultural practices. The outcome was achieved through a number of training sessions, 12 for children and 4 for adults, the collection of database about traditional local varieties, a bio-garden of local memory, a treasury of tastes and publicity, information and media promotion. The project raised the image of the project promoter and the self-confidence of the local community in general. The project is functioning after its official end through the bio-garden of local memory, the genetic bank and the database. The project team started working on new ideas to continue and further develop the achievements through partners’ and own projects. The main target group was the local community but the project also addressed children and students (250), young people (30), the elderly as guardians of traditions (20), small farmers (30) and volunteers (20) who joined in and supported us during the implementation of all project activities.
Summary of bilateral results