APRO

Project summary

Specific cross-borders objectives of the project were: contributing to the establishment of balance in the ecosystem by restoring extensive – pasture-haymaking breeding, particularly that of native breeds (Istrian cattle, goat, sheep and donkey); developing a common cross-border approach for the protection of Istrian native breeds by creating the necessary preconditions for the return and survival of Istrian autochthonous breeds, and shared definition of the program of revitalization of traditional breeding of local breeds, which feed on the hay, produced by the mowing of the meadows; creating conditions for the implementation of common zoo-technical, scientific and professional measures of protection of Istrian cattle, the native breed applicable to the entire history of Istrian Cattle breeding, and the continuation of other native breeds; raising the awareness of the inhabitants and the public in the rural cross-border region, about the importance of biodiversity, pointing to the consequences of the loss of native breeds in our everyday lives. Added value of the project was the protection of autochthonous/native breeds which are strictly linked to the territory where they live. Outputs of the project were: study of the impact of different approaches with the cultivation of dry pastures for the preservation of biodiversity; Istrian cattle reintroduced in Slovenian Istria ; study of the reconstruction and revitalization of traditional goat breeds in the project area; network of competent institutions in charge of protection of native breeds; the strategy of a common approach for the protection of native breeds; barn for the nucleus herd of the Istrian cattle; informative and educational tools for the public – a brochure on biodiversity and protection of native breeds, and a brochure on the historical importance of pastures and pastureland for the wealth of the environment; educational campaigns – “How to keep and reintroduce Istrian cattle/sheep/goat/donkey to pastures”; farm open-door days and/or eco-parks; final cross-border conference on common protection of grassland and Istrian native breeds.