Project of Bioversity International on conservation and sustainable use of grapevine genetic resources in the Caucasus and northern Black Sea region: Activities and results

Conservation of grapevine biodiversity in the Caucasus and northern Black Sea Region is particularly urgent because of: 1) the large number of traditional local varieties out of cultivation; 2) the relevance of these resources for the development of European modern cultivars; 3) the financial difficulties in the countries; 4) the occur- rence of Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris throughout the region; 5) wine production as a major potential source of income for the local population in the region. In 2004-2008, significant progress has been made within a collaborative project, financially supported by the government of Luxembourg, aimed at strengthening the capacity of the coun- tries of the region (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine) to ensure the long-term maintenance of Vitis genetic resources, including the cultivated traditional varieties and the wild resources. The activities include identifying, collecting, characterizing, and conserving the diversity of grapevine genetic resources as a basis to improve local viticulture and winemaking industry.