A network for the conservation of agrobiodiversity of local ecotypes

Italian agrobiodiversity patrimony has been quoted among the richest ones in the world. In this context, Sicily plays the chief role for the presence of numerous local ecotypes that mirror local tradition and culture. For a long time the conservation of local cultivars was carried out exclusively by local farmers who have pledged to pass on this heritage on from generation to generation. The continuous process of erosion of these ecotypes has pushed, in recent years, also the legislator, towards the creation and/or consolidation of networks of stakeholders (farmers, local authorities, public and private organizations, etc.) that can contribute to the conservation and protection of these cultivars. This work intends to explore the existing relationships and the potential ones among the various actors who contribute to the conservation of agrobiodiversity of some Sicilian horticultural ecotypes. The work introduces the use of Social Network Analysis (SNA) as a tool for analysis of relational networks activated in the territories to support the conservation and protection of these ecotypes.