Mountain Plant Agrobiodiversity: A Heritage to Be Safeguarded, Characterized, and Enhanced

The protection and enhancement of plant agrobiodiversity heritage is fundamental for sustainable development and for long-term food security. Mountain region agrobiodiversity has a genetic heritage rich in territorial adaptations that enable it to cope with the major challenges of climate change. Enhancing public awareness and expanding research efforts are critical to safeguarding and valorizing this important heritage. This article presents a practical example of how the University Center of Excellence Mountain University, an innovative training and research center of the University of Milan, applies this strategy of territorial enhancement.