HARVARD EXPERTS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE PRESERVATION OF SERBIAN SPRUCE

BANJA LUKA, OCTOBER 21 /SRNA/ – Professors from the University of Banja Luka will work with colleagues from Harvard University on the protection of the Serbian spruce /Picea omorika, Pančićeva omorika/, with the goal of preserving this species and promoting it in the United States and other countries, as it was emphasized today at a meeting between representatives of the two universities.

The Rector of the University of Banja Luka Radoslav Gajanin underlined that researchers from Harvard are visiting for the first time, noting that the goal is to ensure the preservation of the Serbian spruce and to distribute its seeds around the world.

"The Government of Republika Srpska, the University, and the Faculty of Forestry are dedicated to this task. Today we discussed future cooperation, not only within this project but also the signing of an agreement with Harvard and the expansion of joint activities. I am confident that in the future we will work with researchers from Harvard and other universities on similar projects," Gajanin said at a press conference in Banja Luka.

Harvard University professor Michael Dustman emphasized that the University of Banja Luka is doing an excellent job in researching and protecting the Serbian spruce in its natural environment.

"It is important that we collect seed material and use it in plantations and botanical gardens, not only in the Republika Srpska but also in other parts of the world. This is what we do to protect and enrich the world's biodiversity. It is an honor for me to be here," Dustman said.

The Dean of the Faculty of Forestry Vojislav Dukić pointed out that the faculty has a well-developed international cooperation, adding that Harvard researchers have also delivered a lecture to students.

"Next to every seedling there will be a sign showing its origin - and that origin is Republika Srpska. I am proud to note that we are also hosting professors from the University of Warsaw, led by the Director of the Forestry Institute Roman Wójcik," Dukić said.

Professor Milan Mataruga of the Faculty of Forestry emphasized that this project has been ongoing for the past five years, and that in the coming days, together with researchers from Harvard, they will be in the field to collect samples and seeds.

"Tonight we are heading to the field. We will spend time in the forests of the Serbian spruce. The collected seeds will be distributed as planting material across the United States. This is a great opportunity, as the material becomes a subject of research for educational institutions and institutes around the world," Mataruga said.