Graciosa doubles areas applying for support to the maintenance of traditional landscapes
The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism stressed today that the island of Graciosa has registered a "significant growth" of the areas applying for the incentive system for the maintenance of traditional landscapes, which have practically doubled over the last two years.
The areas currently benefiting from maintenance support correspond to 21.5 hectares, including 17.1 hectares of vineyards and 4.4 hectares of traditional orchards.
“Viticulture plays once again an important role in Graciosa's economy and in the life of the local population,” stressed Marta Guerreiro, who spoke during the visit to vineyard areas supported under the maintenance of traditional landscapes, as part of the Government's visit to this island.
Marta Guerreiro recalled that this "was once one of the main economic activities on the island of Graciosa in the 18th and 19th centuries, with average production in the range of 6,000 to 7,000 barrels. Production began declining since the second half of the 19th century."
With the aim of preserving some traditional land use methods, considering their relevance in the landscape as well as in biodiversity and ecological balance, the Regional Government provides a system of incentives for the maintenance of traditional landscapes, namely vineyards and orchards in "currais" (small stone enclosures) and terraces located in protected landscape areas and coastal areas ("fajãs") within Island Natural Parks and biosphere reserves.
“Currently, the support for the maintenance of traditional landscapes covers 480 beneficiaries in the Region and a total area of 749 hectares, corresponding to payments of more than 1.6 million Euros in 2019,” Marta Guerreiro revealed, adding that it represents “an increase of 60% over the previous year.”
“This is a significant financial effort from the Regional Government, fully supported by its own funds, but which is fully justified by the fact that the natural and cultural heritage and the landscape are irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Furthermore, they are determining elements of our identity and the model of development we advocate for the Azores and, as such, we must invest in its preservation and appreciation,” stressed the Regional Secretary.