The co-evolution of cultural and biological diversity

Cultural diversity favouring agro-ecological sustainability and economic viability: pillars for conservation

In Slovakia and in neighbouring countries of the western Carpathian region the population is composed of fifteen ethnic groups that have settled in the area over many centuries. With them, they have brought new biological material to the Carpathians and their contributions to the evolution of new plant varieties are great and highly diverse. The historic mixing of various ethnic groups in this region has not only enriched the plant genetic resources of the local agro-ecosystem, but has also enhanced the knowledge base, information, techniques and systems that underpin its ecological sustainability and economic viability, both of which are important pillars for conservation. This highly diverse knowledge base has enabled farmers to exploit local natural conditions suitable for a set of plant and microbial species and to apply unique technologies with long traditions in production of crop and other food.

Cultivated and used crops in the Carpathians region originated from various parts of the world:

Revitalising traditional agro-ecosystems – a good perspective for in situ conservation

The traditional agro-ecosystem was highly diverse, ecologically sustainable and economically viable, but suffered from the effects of socialism. Paradoxically, the socialist era was also instrumental in leaving marginally productive lands untouched, thereby creating de facto havens of agro-biodiversity. In regard to in situ conservation, there is a need for revitalizing ingenious and unique traditional management methods and production technologies for old varieties and landraces that have evolved over generations in this region.

For instance, the White Carpathian area is historically unique, because of the utilization of a high number of domesticated plant species with a large number of original landraces. Farmers at one point cultivated and exploited more than 1,900 landraces derived from 210 useful plant species, using them for different purposes –food, raw material for artisans, traditional medicine etc. Natural ecosystems of this area are also abundant in plant and animal species. The mosaic of a wide variety of agricultural subsystems combined with more natural habitats is the basis for the current high biodiversity of this area.

Therefore, priorities for support to these systems would include:

• the restoration of the original traditional agro-ecosystem and conservation of genetic variability of local and old varieties of fruit trees and ornamental plants and
• the restoration of natural ecosystems for continual production of truffles and revitalization of the original agro-ecosystems' interactions between environment, biological material, microorganisms and traditional technology. The truffles can support the continued economic viability of the system.

The uniqueness of the Tokaj area (a historic wine region located in present-day north-eastern Hungary and south-eastern Slovakia) and its viniculture lies in an ingenious use of local climate conditions, favourable interactions of microorganisms with vine varieties and the application of an original technology of wine making that utilizes shriveled berries. The naturally produced raisins called cibebes are formed by Botriytis cinerea, an important and effective yeast species. This technology has been applied since 1650, using only three vine varieties (Furmint, Lipovina and Yellow Muscatel) grown exclusively in this area.

Therefore, priorities for support to these systems would include:

• The conservation of a globally unique viticulture and traditional wine production methods and
• Conservation of genetic variability of the three basic vine varieties grown for many centuries in this locality, which are potentially important for the prosperity of these systems.

See also:

Project proposal

Annex to the project proposal (photos)

“Conservation and sustainable development of traditional agroecosystems in the Carpathian region of Slovakia” (Case study), The Slovak Agricultural University in Nitra, Slovakia, The Institute for Biodiversity Conservation and Biosafety, held in Rome 2002 (FAO workshop)