Geographical Indications and biodiversity: an overview of regulatory challenges and critical perspectives

Geographical Indications (GIs) link cultural identity and biodiversity conservation by embedding local resources and practices into regulated product specifications. This paper examines GIs’ potential to protect heritage breeds and plant varieties, especially under the new EU Regulation (...

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Main Author: Domenico Cristallo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Bologna University press 2025-07-01
Series:New Medit
Online Access:https://newmedit.ciheam.org/2025/07/16/geographical-indications-and-biodiversity-an-overview-of-regulatory-challenges-and-critical-perspectives/
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author Domenico Cristallo
author_facet Domenico Cristallo
author_sort Domenico Cristallo
collection DOAJ
description Geographical Indications (GIs) link cultural identity and biodiversity conservation by embedding local resources and practices into regulated product specifications. This paper examines GIs’ potential to protect heritage breeds and plant varieties, especially under the new EU Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. By valorising “terroir,” GIs can incentivize farmers to maintain traditional resources, thus helping counter genetic erosion and industrial standardization. Collective governance structures, such as producer groups, can foster shared knowledge and equitable decision-making, ensuring that cultural continuity aligns with ecological goals. However, several challenges persist: rigid specifications may stifle innovation, administrative procedures can deter smaller producers, and power imbalances can limit inclusive participation. The recent legal reforms—emphasizing sustainability, transparency, and digitization—bolster the GI system’s capacity to incorporate biodiversity-friendly practices. In conclusion, while GIs are no panacea, their place-based, collective orientation positions them as promising tools for coupling economic viability with environmental stewardship.
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spelling doaj-art-e57afbb207774ce7acaeed512044efbe2025-08-20T02:40:28ZengBologna University pressNew Medit2611-11282025-07-013202510.30682/nm2503eGeographical Indications and biodiversity: an overview of regulatory challenges and critical perspectives Domenico Cristallo Geographical Indications (GIs) link cultural identity and biodiversity conservation by embedding local resources and practices into regulated product specifications. This paper examines GIs’ potential to protect heritage breeds and plant varieties, especially under the new EU Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. By valorising “terroir,” GIs can incentivize farmers to maintain traditional resources, thus helping counter genetic erosion and industrial standardization. Collective governance structures, such as producer groups, can foster shared knowledge and equitable decision-making, ensuring that cultural continuity aligns with ecological goals. However, several challenges persist: rigid specifications may stifle innovation, administrative procedures can deter smaller producers, and power imbalances can limit inclusive participation. The recent legal reforms—emphasizing sustainability, transparency, and digitization—bolster the GI system’s capacity to incorporate biodiversity-friendly practices. In conclusion, while GIs are no panacea, their place-based, collective orientation positions them as promising tools for coupling economic viability with environmental stewardship. https://newmedit.ciheam.org/2025/07/16/geographical-indications-and-biodiversity-an-overview-of-regulatory-challenges-and-critical-perspectives/
spellingShingle Domenico Cristallo
Geographical Indications and biodiversity: an overview of regulatory challenges and critical perspectives
New Medit
title Geographical Indications and biodiversity: an overview of regulatory challenges and critical perspectives
title_full Geographical Indications and biodiversity: an overview of regulatory challenges and critical perspectives
title_fullStr Geographical Indications and biodiversity: an overview of regulatory challenges and critical perspectives
title_full_unstemmed Geographical Indications and biodiversity: an overview of regulatory challenges and critical perspectives
title_short Geographical Indications and biodiversity: an overview of regulatory challenges and critical perspectives
title_sort geographical indications and biodiversity an overview of regulatory challenges and critical perspectives
url https://newmedit.ciheam.org/2025/07/16/geographical-indications-and-biodiversity-an-overview-of-regulatory-challenges-and-critical-perspectives/
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