Stories 2026

SEEDGUARD (BSB00450) - Capacity Building Package for Seeds Preservation

In Black Sea Basin, a new wave of environmental stewardship is taking root—one that places communities at the heart of biodiversity protection.

Partners from Bulgaria, Turkiye, Romania and Georgia have joined forces to nurture knowledge, skills, and collaboration, ensuring that future generations inherit not only seeds, but the wisdom to protect them.

At the core of this initiative lies a shared mission: to strengthen the capacity of local actors to understand and safeguard seed diversity. The capacity building package was jointly developed and implemented by all partners, enabling target groups to better acknowledge the thematic scope of seeds preservation. In alignment with this goal, six comprehensive training modules were created and adapted into country-specific tutorials, presentations, and documents.

These materials addressed topics such as how to collect, store, and document seeds; how to manage community-based groups while exploring international experience and best practices; and how to promote and disseminate achievements. In doing so, participants were not only trained but transformed into true guardians of seeds—protectors of both biodiversity and cultural heritage.

A series of targeted trainings and peer-review camps were organised both online and in person, bringing together heirloom producers, gardeners, agronomy specialists, vegetable growers, and members of local Community Seed Collections.

Beyond these core groups, the initiative extended its reach through additional training actions and seminars. These included primary school students, college and university students, hobby gardeners, agricultural workers, producers, as well as representatives of regional and local authorities.

The practical application of the capacity building programme has already demonstrated tangible results. Awareness and capacities related to local varieties and seed collection, documentation, management, and operation have significantly increased. Participants gained hands-on experience in plant cultivation and developed a deeper sensitivity to sustainable agriculture practices. Students, in particular, enhanced their technical understanding of environmental and agricultural issues, reinforcing their role as the next generation of environmental stewards.

Importantly, the programme fostered community engagement and collaboration across all participating regions. It empowered farmers, gardeners, hobby growers, and Community Seed Collection members to better cultivate and protect seeds, thereby contributing to biodiversity protection across the four partner countries, the sustenance of bioheritage, and the maintenance of environmental equilibrium.

The added value of this solution lies in its accessibility and sustainability. National versions of the training modules are now available for wider use, allowing volunteers, bioheritage seekers, and growers to continue learning and sharing knowledge. In this way, the initiative ensures that the legacy of today’s guardians of seeds will continue to flourish in the hands of tomorrows.

For more information and modules in partner languages, visit:

English version of the modules could be accessed HERE.