Multi-actor participation and knowledge exchange

The aim of WP1 is to include stakeholders in project specification and to design methods and tools to account for stakeholder needs and constraints in developing the European network of gene banks. Downstream, the aim is to adopt solutions proposed by the project through validation tests, demonstration and technology transfer. Stakeholders will include breeding organisations and conservation associations which are actors of the sector, as well as public bodies, consumer organisations and the food industry, to provide a link to the general public. The European Gene bank Network for Animal Genetic Resources (EUGENA) will be strongly involved in WP1 activities. WP1 aims to raise awareness about gene banking within breeding organisations for all species. WP1 will set up a Dialogue Forum with stakeholders to raise awareness, exchange knowledge and to identify needs, attitudes and preferences toward genetic innovation. Special topical meetings will be organised to facilitate communication between researchers, gene bank managers, NGOs, breeding organisations, and other stakeholders involved in improvement and conservation of genetic resources, including biotech companies. The stakeholders will be also involved in choosing and monitoring case studies along the project. Research and analysis will be conducted by the partners to provide the necessary information to the topical meetings.