Conventions and methods towards landscape quality: an application in the Douro (Portugal)

Vineyards are one of the most recognizable icons of the Mediterranean landscapes and of its cultural identity. In Portugal, in the areas where the terroir are particularly adjusted to the vine culture (Appellation of Origin) important changes have been affecting the landscapes, as a result of both European Agricultural Policy and the international trade market of wine. In fact, important features of traditional vineyard landscapes have not always been taken into consideration as amenities or commodities to the regions development and the market of the wines.

The recognition of some wine regions as World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO and the recommendations of the European Landscape Convention may be seen as great opportunities to set up innovative concepts into innovative actions towards landscape quality as a fundamental pillar to sustainable development and to the commitment of the different stakeholders in its implementation. The definition of Landscape Quality Objectives in a collaborative way could be seen as the starting point to the implementation of concrete actions targeting the protection, planning and management of the winescapes on a multifunctional basis.

A discussion on opportunities and constrains of spatial planning tools and sector policies, like tourism, will be made, to find out concrete and legal opportunities. A combined reflection amongst the wine producers and other local stakeholders, technical and administration entities, local population and tourists are needed, in order to better understand the relevance of landscape quality in the future development of the winegrowing regions. An example in Douro Demarcated Region will be presented, based on results of the project ORTE as well as of other recent perception studies.