Sectors	Regional and territorial cooperation
EU Acquis Chapters	Other issues
EU funds	131 906 €
Implementation period	2013 - 2024
Categories	Digital ;  Gender ;  Climate action ;  Civil society (Mouse hover to see significance)

Bbio project was designed to ensure preservation of autochthonous breeds through the establishment of gene centres in Dalmatia and Herzegovina. The purpose of the gene centres is to maintain a nucleus flock of cattle for further selection and reproduction, to encourage establishment of unique research units that will contribute to preservation of priceless genetic wealth, to maintain landraces in their natural environment and to increase public awareness on breeds’ conservation through educational and site-seeing activities Many years of systematic changes in livestock production in order to increase productivity, with little or no concern about the indigenous breeds’ modest productive capacity, ranked many of extraordinary breeds among the endangered ones what is the case with Busha cattle. Busha cattle breed effective population size (Ne) was estimate to be 58.6 in 2009 what classifies that autochthonous breed among 2 highly endangered ones on the Croatian territory. The situation with Busha cattle breed was assessed to be even worse in Bosnia and Herzegovina because there are approximately 40 individuals among which 90% are preserved in only one location in Buhovo. This Project seeks to ensure the preservation and valorisation of the border regions natural heritage by increasing the competences, skills and knowledge of farmers, preservation of common breeds of the border regions through genes centres establishment in Buhovo and Biokovo and improved capacity and knowledge about agro-biodiversity and its role in the nature protection.

Expected results: (1) Increased capacity of staff in IPA CBC project management and coordination. (2a) Improved knowledge about autochthonous breeds’ husbandry from both side of the border. (2b) Increased awareness about authentic Dalmatian and Herzegovinian products among national and foreign tourists. (2c) First cross-border exhibition of the Busha cattle held. (2d) Drafted regional programme for preservation of the Busha cattle. (3a) Centre for genome conservation of indigenous breeds and education Buhovo – Široki Brijeg established. (3b) Educational-Info Centre for preservation of autochthonous breeds in Ravna Vlaška, NP Biokovo established. (4a) Division for animal husbandry capacitated for recognition of autochthonous breeds. (4b) Maintenance of the old pasture Sridivica to its natural state by grazing activity of the Busha cattle