The project
BIOCHAIN at a glance
A cross-border Greece–Italy initiative connecting biodiversity conservation, scientific research and sustainable exploitation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and Non-Wood Forest Products.
Project overview
Protect biodiversity. Create sustainable value.
BIOCHAIN responds to environmental and economic challenges in biodiversity-rich Mediterranean regions that are increasingly exposed to climate pressures.
The project builds a common chain of knowledge and applications around Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) and Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFPs). It links conservation, phytochemical research, agriculture, apiculture, aquaculture, digital tools and stakeholder engagement.
Preserve valuable plant resources
Turn research into practical applications
Develop and test natural solutions for farming, beekeeping and aquaculture.
Make scientific knowledge accessible
Strategic objectives
One project, four connected priorities.
The project combines environmental knowledge, laboratory research, field applications and cross-border cooperation.
Biodiversity conservation
Record, conserve and communicate knowledge about plant biodiversity and valuable local species.
Bioactive compounds
Explore the chemical and biological value of MAPs, NWFPs and honey ecosystems.
Sustainable applications
Test eco-friendly solutions that can reduce chemical inputs in primary production.
Digital access
Develop an AI and data-mining platform that supports research and data discovery.
Intervention area
A shared Mediterranean challenge.
The Programme Area includes regions with exceptional natural wealth, strong primary-sector activity and common climate-related pressures.
Activities connect Epirus and the Ionian Islands in Greece with Puglia, Basilicata and Calabria in Italy. The cross-border approach supports knowledge transfer, common methodologies and solutions that can continue beyond the project lifetime.
Target groups
Who benefits from BIOCHAIN?
Research community
Primary sector
Public authorities and communities
Project journey
From common planning to transferable results.
A clear implementation path keeps research, communication, pilots, training and joint strategies connected.
2025 · Setup and common methodology
Project mobilisation, equipment, communication planning and detailed activity design.
2026 · Research, data and pilot applications
Laboratory and field work, data development, stakeholder engagement and digital tools.
2027 · Integration, transfer and sustainability
Joint solutions, training resources, final results and long-term exploitation planning.