Coevolution between Terraced Landscapes and Rural Communities: An Integrated Approach Using Expert-Based Assessment and Evaluation of Winegrowers’ Perceptions (Northwest Piedmont, Italy)

Terraced vineyard landscapes, while historically significant and culturally rich, face threats from abandonment and changing land use practices. A study on the UNESCO-listed Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont (Italy) reveals a strong alignment between expert-identified historical landscape elements—such as traditional stone-column-supported pergolas—and the perceptions of winegrowers, who overwhelmingly favor their conservation. The research employs an innovative integrated approach combining expert-based assessments with surveys of 49 winegrowers to analyze coevolutionary dynamics between terraced landscapes and rural communities. Findings indicate that while some traditional practices persist, modern techniques like espaliers and alternative land uses (e.g., olive groves) are emerging. This dual-methodology approach underscores the resilience and adaptive capacity of these landscapes, offering a replicable model for dynamic conservation strategies in similar contexts.

Pomatto, E., Devecchi, M., & Larcher, F. (2022). Coevolution between Terraced Landscapes and Rural Communities: An Integrated Approach Using Expert-Based Assessment and Evaluation of Winegrowers’ Perceptions (Northwest Piedmont, Italy). Sustainability, 14(14), 8624. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148624