défense Vassal

#92: karinbrazil - in other languages

In defense of the greatest collection of grapvines in the world, French
Domaine de Vassal

The greatest collection of vines in the world, an
international living heritage, is in danger! Add your signature to this
petition by filling the form below—this will take only 30 seconds of your time.
Thank you so much  for your support!

The “Conservatoire ampélographique” (Ampelographic
Sanctuary Garden) of the INRA (National Institute for Agronomic Research) hosts
a collection of grapevines unique in the world with over 7,000 grape varieties
from more than 40 countries. It is situated in southern France near Montpellier
on a sand strip between the small lake de Thau and Marseillan. This
extraordinary botanical collection, which may be considered as the viticultural
equivalent to the Louvre museum, was started in 1876 at the ENSAM
(Montpellier’s Superior National School of Agronomy) and was later relocated at
the "Domaine  de Vassal" in 1949. There, the vines can set root in the coastal
sand, which protects them from contamination by phylloxera. The devastating
effects of this aphid insect on the French vineyards in the 19th century are
the actual reason why this sanctuary was created in the first place. Old,
forgotten varieties can flourish alongside new species of world famous ones on
the 27 hectares (67 acres) of the domain. The preservation of this sanctuary is
essential, owing to the current genetic erosion linked to the selection of
certain grape varieties. It represents a vital genetic resource to improve
varieties and ensure access to viticultural biodiversity. These genes could
prove crucial in the future to fight against diseases, adapt to potential
climate change, satisfy the evolution of taste among consumers or accompany the
resurgence of forgotten varieties allowing wine producers to meet the worldwide
demand for original, unique wines. Due to budgetary constraints, the INRA is exploring
the idea of moving the sanctuary. Decisions on this topic are imminent. As the
INRA will readily admit, the risks associated with such a move are
considerable: hasty relocation, lack of funds, reduced involvement of
researchers, loss of diversity, reduction of the collection’s scope, rationalization…
Massive involvement is necessary to preserve the integrity of our “viticultural
Louvre”, this remarkable collection of vines and extraordinary international genetic
pool.

You enjoy the sight of landscapes shaped by vineyards,

You appreciate the work of wine growers and producers, You consider yourself an ambassador of wine,

You love fine wine and stand in favor of diversity,

You support the work of the researchers at the Domain
of Vassal

By signing and sharing this petition, you will help
us:

- launch one last mediation to preserve the collection
at "Domaine de Vassal", and optimize its management through a partnership between
the INRA and a private foundation

- ensure the survival of the whole collection

- create an Ampelographic Heritage Foundation, for
research and development purposes