Olivicoltura Multifunzionale e Paesaggio

The olive tree and the olive growing are important components of the Mediterranean landscape. The dominance of olive cropping on agricultural space, the plant framework and longevity are just some of the features that make the olive tree a symbol of heritage and cultural identity in the Mediterranean area. low input olive agro-ecosystems show high environmental value in terms of biodiversity and mimic natural ecosystems. The need to protect landscapes, as well as farmlands, has become urgent. UNESCO (World Heritage) and FAO (GIAHS: Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems) issued international agreement to protect the cultural heritage in sites of global importance recognize and protect rural landscapes as models of sustainable systems. In Italy, the “Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies” (MiPAAF), coordinates the “List of Monumental Trees”, and promotes the conservation of Historic Rurals Landscapes (HRL). However, some of the current landscape management plans are regarded as conflicting with the most important goal of agriculture: the production. The protection of the landscape of olive groves, as of all rural landscapes, requires a compromise between different and sometimes opposing needs such as environmental protection and modernization of orchards. Planning a systematic and synergic action between public and private interests is imperative to support and improve land management.