The overall objective of the ARMOREC project is to optimise the valorisation of the natural populations of Arnica montana L. in the northern Eastern Carpathians by developing an innovative model for sustainable production of raw material (collection, cultivation, conditioning) and eco-efficient methods for processing the plant material.

To this end, it is necessary to develop inter- and trans-disciplinary studies in the field of biology, ecology, geomorphology, biotechnology and phytochemistry, grouped in 3 major components: environmental component with related aspects, phytochemistry component and economic component - valorisation by the industrial partner (SME).

The members of the consortium, through their expertise and experience in the field of the project, have the necessary competences to carry out highly interdisciplinary and complex research.

In order to achieve the overall objective of the project, a series of activities grouped in 5 work packages related to the specific objectives will be carried out:

1. Evaluation of the bioproductive potential in natural populations of A. montana in the northern Eastern Carpathians, based on quantitative and qualitative determinations of biomass production and content of biologically active principles.

2. Assessment of the conservation status of the species A. montana in the target area, in correlation with the main pressure factors.

3. To develop a model for the development of a complementary source of raw material through conventional and biotechnological methods.

4. Development of eco-efficient extraction and phytochemical analysis methods for the main classes of biologically active compounds - secviterpen-lactones, flavonoids and phenolic acids, essential oil.

5. Development of an experimental model for the sustainable use of the A. montana species (natural populations and experimental cultures) by obtaining and characterising specific phytocomplexes with multiple uses.

The originality of the project lies both in the selection of the study and analysis methods and in the holistic approach to the problem, which covers the entire value chain in accordance with the principles of sustainable growth. It is the first time that an interdisciplinary approach is proposed to model the effect of abiotic factors on the distribution of A. montana species based on a spatial analysis model.

By achieving the objectives proposed in this project, the sustainable valorisation of the species in the northern area of the Eastern Carpathians will be promoted, based on complex, interdisciplinary studies (of scientific and economic importance) and will generate added value throughout the whole valorisation chain (from producers/harvesters to the realisation of the finished product) while ensuring biodiversity conservation.

Although interest in the species A. montana has remained high worldwide, in Romania the species is still poorly valorised, both economically and scientifically. Thus, there is a lack of comprehensive, integrated studies on the current status of the species in natural populations, conservation and valorisation strategies through the realisation and promotion of local products. Most of the studies carried out in Romania have focused on the Apuseni Mountains, while in the Eastern Carpathians the species A. montana is mentioned only in floristic studies.

The development of this project aims at stimulating the sustainable valorisation of the species at local and regional level, in accordance with the particularities of the species, implicitly its status as a rare and vulnerable species, and the market requirements.

The approach of a species that has been extensively studied worldwide is an asset in the elaboration of a valorisation plan for the species, and at the same time it constitutes a very good model for the valorisation of other medicinal, aromatic and food species in the mountain area. At the same time, this model of sustainable valorisation can be adapted and extrapolated to all areas with arnica in Romania.