The Arboreal Archeology Foundation launches fundraising campaign

Following the launch of the Arboreal Archeology Foundation's fundraising campaign on May 24th in Milan, the race is on to raise 250,000 euro by 31 July.

The money is to save a collection of 450 rare fruit trees in Umbria and establish a permanent research and education centre devoted to agricultural biodiversity.

Emile Frison, Director General of Bioversity International, one of the key speakers at the event, explained why he supports the campaign:

"Archeologia Arborea is an excellent example of a local initiative that not only ensures the safeguarding of our patrimony of fruit varieties, but also the knowledge about this rich diversity which is part of local culture.

Bioversity recognized the importance of this initiative by giving Isabella Dalla Ragione the 'Guardian of Biodiversity' award in May 2009".

To find out how you can donate or to learn more about the campaign, visit the Fondazione Archeologia Arborea website