On 27.09.2023 at the “Prof. Marin Drinov” Hall of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences was held the National Symposium “Establishment of a Bulgarian Consortium on DNA Barcoding – Bulgarian Barcode of Life”. The event was organized by an Initiative Committee including seven institutions: Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics – BAS, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research – BAS, National Museum of Natural History – BAS, Faculty of Biology of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, University of Forestry, Agricultural Academy and the “Pensoft” science publishing house.
The one-day symposium aimed to present the existing initiatives and organizations that apply DNA barcoding methods to study biodiversity in Bulgaria, as well as to summarize the ongoing discussions and organizational activities related to the launch of the national initiative.
The event was opened by Assoc. Prof. Ina Aneva, Scientific Secretary of the Biodiversity, Bioresources and Ecology division. Assoc. Prof. Georgi Bonchev (IPPG – BAS) presented the achievements of the finishing large-scale project BULCode. Sen. Asst. Prof. Aneliya Bobeva, PhD (IBER – BAS) summarized the genetic research being carried out by the scientists of IBER – BAS. Sen. Asst. Prof. Stefaniya Kamenova, PhD pointed out examples of metabarcoding of food webs of some herbivores. Assoc. Prof. Miroslava Zhiponova presented the experience and strategic interests of Sofia University. Prof. Ivan Atanassov talked about the research being carried out at the AgroBioInstitute of the Agricultural Academy, and Prof. Petar Zhelev shared the experience of the University of Forestry in DNA-barcoding of taxonomically complex groups. Prof. Lyubomir Penev presented the possibilities for publication, dissemination and management of DNA-barcoding data.
The symposium ended with the signing of a cooperation agreement which established the National Consortium on DNA Barcoding Bulgarian Barcode of Life (BgBOL). The consortium will have the task to coordinate, support and promote DNA barcoding research in Bulgaria.
