The agricultural biodiversity of Dalmatia and Puglia is encountering significant challenges. Varieties of fruit trees that once formed the foundation of local agriculture are disappearing, and their loss is having a severe impact on agricultural sustainability and food sovereignty. Moreover, nurseries do not offer enough of these varieties, and many people, especially younger generations, are unaware of the richness of wild fruit trees and their importance.
Presented goals and achievements of the VERA project
The goal of the VERA project is to preserve these species, contribute to the fight against climate change, and improve agricultural production through sustainable practices. To this end, the final conference of the VERA project, titled “Sustainable agricultural models for biodiversity preservation,” was held in Split on December 3, 2024. The conference brought together experts and enthusiasts from Croatia and Italy. Held at the MedILS Institute, it provided an opportunity to showcase the project’s achievements, exchange experiences, and foster new collaborations in preserving agricultural biodiversity.
– The aim of this conference was to enhance sustainable agricultural practices and preserve biodiversity through education and joint activities. Today, we had the opportunity to hear inspiring presentations, participate in educational workshops, and exchange knowledge and experiences that will help us further protect our natural heritage. This event demonstrates the power of collaboration and the importance of education in conserving biodiversity worldwide, – highlighted Margita Radman, Head of Education and Information Department.
Digitization of the fig collection for future generations and knowledge exchange between Croatian and Italian partners
At the conference, representatives from I giardini di Pomona presented their initiative to digitize the fig collection—a crucial step in preserving the genetic heritage of this vital fruit. This activity has enabled the storage and protection of data on different fig varieties, contributing to the preservation of their biodiversity for future generations. Additionally, the Municipality of Larino shared its experiences from the study visit of Croatian partners to Italy, where participants learned about sustainable agricultural practices and biodiversity protection models in Italy. Representatives from the organization Sunce shared their impressions from the Italian partners’ study visit to Croatia, which further deepened knowledge on implementing sustainable agricultural models and exchanging best practices between participating countries.
Students from Braća Radić High School in Kaštel Štafilić, led by Prof. Marijana Bjeliš, and students from Istituto Tecnico San Padro in Larino actively participated in the project.
– Through this project, we’ve gained new friendships and learned so much about preserving agricultural heritage. The exchange of fig varieties was especially exciting—we brought back five fig saplings from Italy and sent five from Croatia. We’re proud to be part of such an important project and can’t wait to see how our figs grow,– expressed Roko Szarvaš, a student from Braća Radić High School.
Education on biodiversity as the foundation for its preservation
Special attention was devoted to educating citizens, especially children. Various workshops for citizens, organized by Permaculture Dalmatia, and an educational program for elementary school students, developed by Sunce, were presented during the project. Dr. Mila Bulić from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Split spoke about the perspectives on preserving biodiversity through student education. All educational programs included practical workshops, as children love getting their hands dirty—a sentiment shared by all presenters and participants.
– Through practical workshops, children not only learn about biodiversity but also develop an emotional connection with nature, which is the foundation for responsible environmental behavior in the future, – said Bulić.
At the conference, a Green Swap Fair and educational materials on biodiversity were presented at learning corners. For the Green SwapFair, conference participants brought gardening tools, seeds, plants, and gardening books to exchange for other useful items. At the booths, students from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Faculty of Science in Split showcased their methods of working with children and presented didactic materials. A section of the fair was dedicated to presenting the DesirMED project, funded by the European Union, which aims to find nature-based sustainable solutions to address the challenges of climate change. During the event, promotional materials made from eco-friendly materials were distributed to visitors, encouraging outdoor activities for children and youth and integrating nature into daily life.
Final thoughts: cross-Adriatic cooperation as the key to preserving biodiversity
The conference concluded with a call for continued cooperation and further steps toward sustainable development. After the official program, participants enjoyed a sustainable city tour of Split, learning about the city’s rich history and heritage.
The morning after the conference, before bidding farewell to the Italian partners, Permaculture Dalmatia organized a visit to Croatia’s only school botanical garden—located at Ostrog Elementary School in Kaštel Lukšić. Visitors marveled at a rich collection of approximately 1,000 plant varieties from around the world, as well as an olive grove with traditional olive varieties. To round off the experience, a visit to the Kairos Winery showcased grape varieties and the renowned Crljenak wine, a Dalmatian wine with a global reputation.
– The VERA project, co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg program, has demonstrated how cross-border cooperation can deliver tangible results in preserving biodiversity and advancing sustainable agricultural practices, – concluded Radman.
