ECONOGENE: Sustainable conservation of animal genetic resources in marginal rural areas: integrating molecular genetics, socio-economics and geostatistical approaches

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 01.0060-2

Key words (English)

Sheep; goats; genetic diversity; economic development; marginal rural areas;
Agriculture; Economic Aspects; Environmental Protection; Life Sciences; Resources of the Sea; Fisheries

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: QLK5-CT-2001-02461

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 5. Frame Research Programme - 1.1.5 Sustainable agriculture, fisheries and forestry

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

Coordinator: Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (I)

Abstract (English)

This proposal uniquely combines a molecular analysis of biodiversity, socio-economics and geostatistics to address the conservation of sheep and goat genetic resources and rural development in marginal agrosystems in Europe. To assist in situ conservation and address the relevant socio-economic factors, we will develop a co-ordinated approach to define strategies of genetic management and rural development. We will greatly extend knowledge of sheep and goat genetic diversity at the molecular level, examine many unstudied, local breeds, and identify gene pools to map conservation priorities. We will produce a map of development perspectives to identify areas where sustainable conservation of valuable populations could succeed. We will overlay the maps of conservation and development priority and estimate the value of this biodiversity to justify economic intervention, and suggest appropriate guidelines and actions.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 01.0060-2