Domus Olear∑ launches in Gubbio to preserve global olive biodiversity

Domus Olear∑ has been established in Gubbio, Umbria, as the world’s first collection dedicated to preserving olive biodiversity in a single physical location. The site, located in Montelovesco, features over ten hectares of land housing 850 olive genotypes sourced from 32 different countries.

The project is a collaboration between the National Research Council’s Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (CNR-IBBR) and Azienda Agricola Di Murro. It transforms a scientific database of more than 10,000 genotypes into a living, walkable landscape. The collection includes over 400 genotypes of wild olives and subspecies, propagated through seeds and grafting.

Scientific coordination was led by Soraya Mousavi and Roberto Mariotti, utilizing advanced genetic markers to resolve issues of variety synonymy and identity. The site has been assigned FAO code IT481, integrating it into international networks for the conservation of olive genetic resources.