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Hortus Botanicus Leiden newsletters

Co-creation activity around a picnic table (Credit BBGK)

Eleni Maloupa (Credit BBGK)

Eleni's story

Partner: Balkan Botanic Garden of Kroussia

Since the establishment of Balkan Botanic Garden Kroussia, 15 years ago, one of our main concerns has been with the preservation of Greek plant genetic resources through research projects. Our way to persuade all target groups was ‘use it or lose it’. So, through exhibitions, tasting events, dissemination, collaboration with industry, producers and researchers from other disciplines and the public we have tried to increase awareness about sustainability of Greek species especially aromatics and small fruits as well as the benefits they bring to our daily life and wellness. All these years we didn’t realize that we were applying RRI and co-creation! BigPicnic gave us the spark to understand even more the importance of co-creation and RRI in our research. The project helps us to explore all dimensions, methodologies and tools of co-creation that are useful for our mission: to preserve our precious plant genetic resources by improving our nutrition!