Bulgarian Barcode of Life
The Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences is a partner in the established National DNA barcoding consortium – Bulgarian Barcode of Life (BgBOL)
On September 27, 2023, a National Symposium “Establishment of National DNA barcoding consortium – Bulgarian Barcode of Life (BgBOL)” was held at the “Prof. Marin Drinov” Hall of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. The event was organized by an Initiative Committee comprising seven organizations – Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics –BAS, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research – BAS, National Museum of Natural History – BAS, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Pensoft Publishers LTD, AgroBioInstitute, Agricultural Academy and the University of Forestry.
The one-day Symposium was aimed at presenting existing initiatives and organizations which implement DNA barcoding methodologies for studying the biodiversity in Bulgaria, as well as to summarize the discussions and organizational activities related to the launch of the National DNA barcoding initiative. An official welcome was given by Assoc. Prof. Ina Aneva, Scientific Secretary of the Biodiversity, Bioresources, and Ecology department of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Assoc. Prof. Georgi Bonchev (IPPG-BAS) presented the achievements of the national project BULCode. Assist. Prof. Anelia Bobeva (IBER-BAS) provided a summary of the genetic investigations having been conducted by scientists of the IBER-BAS. Assist. Prof. Stefaniya Kamenova (NMNH-BAS) emphasized on examples of metabarcoding studies on trophic interactions for some herbivores in Bulgaria. Assoc. Prof. Miroslava Zhiponova presented the gained experience and strategic interests of the Sofia University in DNA barcoding related activities. Assoc. Prof. Ivan Atanasov shared investigations implemented in AgroBioInstitute, Agricultural Academy and Prof. Zhelev shared with the audience the experience of the University of Forestry in DNA barcoding of taxonomically complex groups. Prof. Lubomir Penev (Pensoft) introduced the opportunities for publishing, dissemination and management of DNA barcode data.
The Symposium concluded with the signing of the Partnership agreement, marking the official launch of the National DNA barcoding consortium – Bulgarian Barcode of Life (BgBOL). BgBOL will represent Bulgaria in the International Barcode of Life Consortium (iBOL) and will coordinate, support and promote DNA barcoding research in Bulgaria.
