The proposed study case in Apulia demonstrates that, although underestimated, the problem of the
economic sustainability of on field conservation sites, like other phytosanitary and climatic factors being
a concrete threat to the safety of genetic resources, can be overcome with a multifunctional approach
combining conservation with research activities, development of new products, varietal innovation,
training and other related activities. In recent years, since agrobiodiversity and genetics were recognized
as fundamental solutions to face the new challenges of climate change adaptation and sustainability
of cultivation for safeguarding agriculture and global food security, also the importance and role of germplasm conservation centers changed considerably, having gained visibility, media attention, public
consideration and related funding. By increasing the educational and information functions in the
conservation centers, the synergy with tourist activities also becomes a concrete perspective to inform
citizen and consumers, for attracting new interested visitors, bringing revenues for conservation and
research, for promoting the territory and valorizing the local genetic resources.
