The first serious efforts for identifying native pig breeds were accomplished by the support of GEF/SGP in 2005. Outputs of this mission of identification, enriched by the results of other missions carried out in the frame of TCP/FAO project ?Capacity building to support in ? situ conservation and use of FAnGR?, as well as the information collected by EURONATURE & SAVE FOUNDATION, have provided evidence of the existence of native pigs in Albania. Among these results, the information of the existence of Siska type pigs, Spotted of Scutari and wattled pigs identified in Back Rrjoll, Velipoja region, is considered as the most important one. This region is a treasure of natural and agricultural diversity. Here the autochthonous pig breeds are an essential part of a functioning ecosystem. The pigs keep the ground free by rooting and especially support birdlife and small mammals. Because of crossbreeding and lack of interest from farmers these relicts are in an acute danger of extinction. To ensure breeding, a subsidy system for keeping the animals is necessary especially for the winter fodder and keeping. The project design is divided in the following subjects:
Monitoring and implementation of urgent measures, to stop genetic erosion and decrease of animal numbers in the population of local pigs ? Siska type pig?, ?Black Spotted of Scutari? and ?wattled pig?
Awareness of farmers communities, informal groups or/and associations of farmers, domestic and international institutions to support any effort of conservation and development of this genetic value, valid not only for our country but also for the whole Balkan region.
Promoting collaboration, setting up a local network of farmers and implementation of a in-situ conservation programme.