In June 2025, in Perugia (Italy) the COUSIN project, along with his sister project (PROWILD), was presented at the 15th National Conference on Biodiversity and the 2nd International Conference on Mediterranean Biodiversity. The event was organized by the Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences (DSA3) of the University of Perugia, in cooperation with the Accademia delle Scienze della Biodiversità Mediterranea (ASBM). The conferences brought together scientists conducting research on animal, plant, insect and microbial diversity around the theme: Biodiversity in the XXI century: new paradigms for new challenges

The poster displayed during the presentation highlighted the key objectives of COUSIN and empathised the importance of protecting and promoting Crop Wild Relatives (CWRs) as a vital resource for the future of the European farming systems.

“CWRS need to be included into national strategies on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, but they are hardly considered. In Italy, for example, the National Biodiversity Strategy to 2030, approved in 2023, does not include any action to protect and conserve CWRs. It is important to raise awareness on the importance of CWRs starting from the scientific community”*

* Bocci Riccardo, Arena Donata, Branca Ferdinando (2025). «Crop Wild Relatives (CWRs): a promise for the future of the European farming systems », 5th National Conference on  Biodiversity, 2nd International Conference on  Mediterranean Biodiversity : Biodiversity in the XXI century: new paradigms  for new challenges, Perugia, Italy (p.191). Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari ed Ambientali, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, I-06121, Perugia, Italy. ISBN 978-88-99407-03-2