Description
The project responds to a number of local problems including the disappearance of local fruit tree varieties, the abandonment of traditional orchards, and the consequent loss of biodiversity. The project aims to conserve the traditional rural landscape of south-eastern Transylvania by preserving and promoting traditional orchards and local fruit tree varieties. Activities proposed in response to these problems include: creating a nursery of local fruit tree varieties, practical training workshops for young people, establishing a network of NGOs with similar goals, organising a local ”fruit fair”, and documenting traditional knowledge and practices related to the selection, preparation and storage of local fruits. The project will involve more than 850 people– local citizens, school teachers, students, local authorities, NGOs and members of the local communities. The partner organization "Timotei Cipariu" Technological High school is responsible for creating and maintaining a nursery of traditional fruit varieties and for continuing the education programme that aims the revitalization of traditional orchard and fruit tree management techniques.
Summary of project results
The project “Conserving traditional orchards and local fruit tree varieties – core elements of Transylvania's traditional rural landscape” aimed to conserve the traditional rural landscape of south-eastern Transylvania by preserving and promoting traditional orchards and local fruit tree varieties. Implemented over almost 2 years, the project included a range of activities which contributed to the following key objectives: gaining a better understanding of the current situation of traditional extensive orchards and local fruit tree varieties, promoting traditional practices and products based on these fruits, encouraging local people to value and use local varieties and fostering a closer collaboration between local authorities, the civil society and educational institutions. Because of the loss of much of the genetic heritage of local fruit varieties and the associated degradation of biodiversity and landscape values, the main aim of the project was to create a nursery of 10,000 saplings on a plot of land provided by the Timotei Cipariu Highschool. In addition, the project team surveyed and mapped surviving traditional orchards on an area of 1,600 square km, and collected 205 samples, which were determined by a specialised institution, thus creating a database of local fruit varieties. In order to promote traditional practices and products and stimulate the involvement of local people, a traditional fruit fair was organised in the town of Dumbraveni. More than 500 people attended, tasting homemade food and drinks, taking part in competitions and enjoying an artistic performance given by local musicians and dancers. Young people learned practical fruit-grower skills, and gained theoretical knowledge about the natural and cultural values of traditional orchards through 2 workshops hosted by the partner highschool. Finally, organisations with similar interests were brought together at a sectoral seminar in Dumbraveni. Together, they created a collaborative platform and launched the website
www.livada-batraneasca.ro, which promotes grassroots initiatives in traditional fruit-growing.
Summary of bilateral results