Publications
Islands on the move: Non-mass tourism and migration in El Hierro (Spain) and Pico (Portugal)
El Hierro (Spain) and Pico (Portugal), UNESCO World Heritage Sites, represent a unique typology of island tourism development, defying traditional classifications. Unlike mass-tourism destinations, these islands attract a mix of lifestyle migrants, economic immigrants, and return migrants who drive the transition from pre-tourism economies to tourism-dominated ones. This shift is fueled by globalization, digitalization, and EU integration, reshaping local productive models. The study highlights how international migration plays a pivotal role in the early stages of these islands' tourism life cycles, positioning them as innovative case studies in island economic and social transformation.
General Physicochemical Parameters, Phenolic Composition, and Varietal Aromatic Potential of Three Red Vitis vinifera Varieties (“Merlot”, Syrah”, and “Saborinho”) Cultivated on Pico Island—Azores Archipelago
Merlot grapes cultivated on Pico Island, part of the UNESCO-listed Azores archipelago, demonstrate superior adaptation to the region's unique conditions compared to Syrah and Saborinho varieties. Over three vintages, Merlot exhibited significantly higher levels of estimated alcohol degree, total phenols (including flavonoids and non-flavonoids), anthocyanins, color intensity, and antioxidant capacity. Notably, Merlot and Syrah grapes showed a predominance of acetyl-anthocyanins over p-coumaroylated forms, contrasting with Saborinho's opposite trend. Varietal aromatic potential differed significantly only in the 2021 vintage, with Merlot and Syrah leading. These findings highlight Merlot's resilience and quality potential under Pico Island's specific vine cultivation conditions.
The Potential of Wine Tourism in the Innovation Processes of Tourism Experiences in the Canary Islands—An Approach to the Case of the Canary Brand
Wine tourism is emerging as a key driver for the sustainability and revaluation of the braided cord vineyard management system (BCS) in La Orotava Valley, Tenerife, Canary Islands—a globally unique cultural landscape. The study reveals significant progress in integrating BCS into public-private strategies aimed at its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (BIC). Through 16 in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, researchers found that wine tourism is increasingly central to the valley's economic and social development, reflecting a shift toward innovative, experience-based models. The findings underscore the potential for wine tourism to revitalize traditional practices while ensuring their long-term preservation.
Creative and Rural Tourism, Public Policies and Land Use Changes: A Multi-Method Approach towards Regional Sustainable Development in Azores Islands
A multi-method approach reveals that land-use changes in the Azores Islands, particularly on Pico Island's vineyard landscapereflect the impact of regional public policies. The study also demonstrates that rural and creative tourism can serve as a catalyst for sustainable development in island territories. By analyzing trends and dynamics in land use alongside innovative tourism models, researchers found evidence supporting the potential of new tourism business forms to inform and enhance regional policy-making. This suggests a promising pathway for balancing conservation with economic growth in vulnerable ecosystems.
The emergence of World Heritage Cultural Landscapes, with a focus on Viticultural landscapes
A total of 119 cultural landscapes, including viticultural sites, have been recognized by UNESCO since 1992 as a distinct category bridging natural and cultural heritage. This study highlights the potential of these landscapes for sustainable development while emphasizing that not all rural or agrarian landscapes meet the criteria for World Heritage status due to their 'Value Universal Exceptional.' It also explores convergences between UNESCO's approach and the FAO's guidelines, noting ICOMOS' 2017 recognition of rural heritage principles. The research analyzes inscribed viticultural landscapes (19 sites) and those on indicative lists (9), assessing their eligibility for World Heritage status while stressing the need for rigorous evaluation against UNESCO criteria.
Linking Wine Culture and Geoheritage—Missing Opportunities at European UNESCO World Heritage Sites and in UNESCO Global Geoparks? A Survey of Web-Based Resources
A significant gap exists between the potential for linking wine culture to geoheritage and its actual communication in European UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Global Geoparks. Despite vine cultivation being intrinsically tied to local geology, landforms, and soils, official web-based resources often fail to explore or effectively communicate these causal relationships. While recent nomination dossiers for World Heritage Sites provide detailed presentations of abiotic environments, they are not readily accessible to the general public. In contrast, Global Geoparks primarily highlight wine culture as a sustainable local activity without delving deeply into its geoheritage context. This missed opportunity is notable given the growing interest in wine tourism and the recognized value of cultural landscapes, which could serve as a platform for enhanced geo-interpretation and public awareness of geoheritage matters.
Standardised arthropod (Arthropoda) inventory across natural and anthropogenic impacted habitats in the Azores archipelago
A comprehensive arthropod inventory of the Azores archipelago reveals 483 species, including 37 non-native taxa never before recorded in the region. The study, part of the EDEN Azores monitoring program (2008-2014), documented 116,523 specimens across five islands, highlighting Hymenoptera—particularly parasitoids—as the most diverse group, followed by Coleoptera and Collembola. Notably, 19 species were new to São Miguel Island, while others expanded records for Flores, Pico, Terceira, and Santa Maria. The research employed standardized surveys of herbaceous and arboreal habitats, scaling from native to anthropogenic landscapes, to assess terrestrial biodiversity in this globally significant region. These findings contribute critical baseline data for conservation efforts, particularly in UNESCO-listed sites like the Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture.
Vernacular Architecture and Traditional Urbanism in the World Heritage Cultural Landscape Property of Pico, in Azores (Portugal)
Pico Island's vernacular architecture and traditional urbanism reflect 500 years of cultural adaptation to a challenging Atlantic environment, preserving a unique identity shaped by insularity. This study reveals how scarcity of resources and geographical isolation strengthened local traditions, creating a resilient cultural landscape recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The research combines historical analysis with population indicators and architectural evolution, highlighting the property's 987-hectare area—spanning two municipalities—and its regulatory framework for sustainable development. By integrating vernacular knowledge from the EU-funded 3dPast project, it underscores the enduring legacy of human-nature interaction in shaping Pico's landscape.
Zoneamento Agroclimático da Cultura da Videira para a Ilha da Madeira – Portugal
Agroclimatic zoning for grapevine cultivation on Madeira Island identifies the southern coast and much of the northern coast as favorable for wine production, though irrigation is necessary in the south to address water deficits. The study, using meteorological data from 1961–1990, highlights potential risks of fungal diseases in the north while providing critical guidance for producers and technicians in selecting optimal vineyard locations.
Paisagem da cultura da vinha da Ilha do Pico : quinze anos Património Mundial da UNESCO. III Workshop Douro e Pico 2019
The Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, stands out as a model for sustainable development strategies in the Azores. This protected landscape, integrated into Pico Natural Park and the region's Protected Areas Network, has been celebrated for its cultural significance and environmental conservation efforts. In 2018, it received the National Landscape Award, further solidifying its status as a symbol of excellence in landscape preservation. The study highlights the site's role in promoting sustainable practices and its potential to inspire similar initiatives globally.
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