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Assessing Vegetation Heritage Value: The Alentejo Central (Portugal) as a Case Study

Author

Listed:
  • Teresa Batista

    (MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, University of Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal)

  • José Manuel de Mascarenhas

    (CIDEHUS—Interdisciplinary Centre for History, Culture and Societies of University of Évora, Palácio of Vimioso, Largo do Marquês de Marialva, n.° 8, Apartado 94, 7000-809 Évora, Portugal)

  • Paula Mendes

    (Institute for Nature Conservation and Forestry, Regional Direction of Alentejo. R. Tenente Raul de Andrade, 1 e 3, 7000-613 Évora, Portugal)

  • Carlos Pinto-Gomes

    (MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & Department of Landscape, Environment and Land Planning, University of Évora, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
    Institute of Earth Sciences (ICT), School of Science and Technology, University of Évora, Rua Romão Ramalho, n° 59, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal)

Abstract

Vegetation natural heritage can be valued in itself, but also as a habitat for many wildlife species. This study presents a methodological essay concerning the evaluation of plant heritage, applied in Central Alentejo, in the south of Portugal. This evaluation was based on the following criteria: horizontal and vertical structure of vegetation, tree cover density, rare plant species richness, phytocenotic maturity, importance as ecological corridor, historical record, scientific and educational potential and recreational potential. The vegetation heritage value (VHV) was calculated using a linear combination of the weighted criteria. In this way it was possible to identify the most interesting areas for conservation purposes. Of the 7500 km 2 analyzed, 52% are natural and semi-natural areas, and of these, 18.8% have very high VHV, 70.7% have high VHV and only 10.5% average VHV. The highest VHV areas are actually included under the protected areas of Natura 2000 sites.

Suggested Citation

  • Teresa Batista & José Manuel de Mascarenhas & Paula Mendes & Carlos Pinto-Gomes, 2021. "Assessing Vegetation Heritage Value: The Alentejo Central (Portugal) as a Case Study," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-16, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:10:y:2021:i:3:p:307-:d:519274
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Andrew Butler, 2016. "Dynamics of integrating landscape values in landscape character assessment: the hidden dominance of the objective outsider," Landscape Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 41(2), pages 239-252, February.
    2. Tengberg, Anna & Fredholm, Susanne & Eliasson, Ingegard & Knez, Igor & Saltzman, Katarina & Wetterberg, Ola, 2012. "Cultural ecosystem services provided by landscapes: Assessment of heritage values and identity," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 2(C), pages 14-26.
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    1. Teodoro Semeraro & Alessio Turco & Stefano Arzeni & Giuseppe La Gioia & Roberta D’Armento & Riccardo Taurino & Pietro Medagli, 2021. "Habitat Restoration: An Applicative Approach to “Biodiversity Heritage Relicts” in Social-Ecological Systems," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-23, August.

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