Integration of Conservation Strategies of Plant Genetic ... - Genres

Plant genetic resources activities in Italy
by requesting them to other similar institutions acting in different parts of the world.
5.2 Data base for rare species
The Germplasm Institute of Bari, in addition to the data bank created for the stored collections, has
started a data base for plant species that grow in Italy but are rare or very rare, endemic, etc.. This kind
of information is provided to Regional Administrations that are willing to start conservation activity.
5.3 Data base for neglected crops
The Germplasm Institute of Bari in collaboration with IBPGR and ENEA ( National Institute for
Alternative Energy ) has made a list of plant species not adequately exploited and that may have a
potential for the future development of agriculture in Italy, Mediterranean and European countries.
Since 1970 collection and surveys for obsolete crops, including the above mentioned group of species,
is carried out in Italy and other Mediterranean countries, by the Germplasm Institute in collaboration
with international organizations, like IBPGR, ECP/GR, EC, national institutions, like Universities, MAF
and since 1980 also in collaboration with the German IPK ( Hammer et al, 1992 ).
5.4 Environmental Union
The Environmental Union, WWf and other well known organizations, like Crocevia, GAB, etc., are very
active in calling the attention of the Ministry of the Environment, MAF, Regional Administrations and
politicians on the importance of "in situ" and "on farm" conservation.
5.5 Finalized Projects in Agriculture
Within the framework of these projects and especially of RAISA P.F. 1.29, which deals with
developmental models in mountainous areas of the peninsula, one theme of research concerns the multifunctionality
of agroforestal farms and the social and environmental function that farmers may hold,
integrating the function of productivity with a set of socio-environmental services that include protection
and maintenance of landscape, production through eco-compatible techniques ( in particular biological
agriculture ) and maintenance of vital cycles ( in particular water ). Among these new functions and
considered the importance that the theme on biodiversity has been given, in these last years, at
international level also, there may well be that of mountainous areas as a reservoir of indigenous
germplasm for which genetic erosion is already evident.
In this respect it has been suggested to make an evaluation of the economic aspect of the biodiversity,
concerning the costs of its loss and the benefits of its conservation. This kind of analysis is not simple
at all but the results of such approach would be very useful for undestanding the environmental and
agricultural politics that are in favour or against the safeguard of biodiversity. The Germplasm Institute
will contribute to the above mentioned project by providing data concerning the biodiversity, its loss and
its conservation.
5.6 National coordination