BushaLive
BushaLive, funded under the FAO Funding Strategy for the Implementation of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources, targets the autochthonous Busha cattle breed of the Balkans, which survives in small, highly endangered, populations in every Balkan country. The projects targets the questions which and how many of the Varieties are existing under what conditions and how their conservation may be managed cross-border.
From 2019 to 2020, experts from the participating Balkan countries reported the current populations of Busha cattle as far as they were known: 2020-BushaLive-evaluation
Kosovo
Balusha Sheep Conservation Project
The Balusha sheep of Kosovo possess unique characteristics. This has been scientifically demonstrated in a project initiated and funded by the SAVE Foundation, in collaboration with the University Giessen (Germany) and the University of Pristina (Kosovo): Genetic Diversity of Balusha Sheep
Only a limited number of Balusha sheep remain, and the survival of the breed is at risk. But activities are going on: In 2025, the responsible ministry in Kosovo adopted the ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTION (MAFRD) – NO. 03/20251 ON BREEDING, TRADING OF INDIGENOUS ANIMALS, CHARASTERISTICS AND METHOD OF MAINTAINING THE LIST OF INDIGENOUS BREEDS OF FARM ANIMALS.
After this governmental directive, a comprehensive project to save the Balusha Sheep could start. The summary report you can find here.
In close cooperation with our Greek partner AMALTHIA a herdbook is going to be established.
Impressions of Balusha in Kosovo in May 2026 .
The offspring of March 2026 let us hope to secure the survival of the breed.
Balkan-Network for Agrobiodiversity
The Balkan Network for Agrobiodiversity is the result of various activities for the in situ/on-farm conservation of rare breeds initiated by the SAVE Foundation since 2004. Through these activities it became clear that there is an obvious willingness to take part in cross-border regional cooperation despite differences in nationality, region, or other interests. Thanks to this, it was possible to establish the Balkan Network with various stakeholders from all Balkan countries.
Albania
Prespa dwarf Cattle in Albania
The monitoring studies mentioned below have shown that a permanent, simple monitoring infrastructure with an early warning system is necessary. The “Alpine Delphi” provides the opportunity to conduct a continuous overview of the situation of genetic resources in the Alps with relatively little effort.
Albania
Rescue station for pig breeds in the Buna-Delta
For the conservation of the endangered pig breeds in the Bojana-Buna Delta, SAVE built together with the Albanian partner organization ALBAGENE a joint project. With additional funding from the GEF Small Grants Programme concrete conservation work has been done to include and motivate the local farmers were for cooperation.
