Abstract

The landscape richness and the diversity of the Mediterranean area constitute a precious factor of well-being and quality of life for the citizens, as they offer to enjoy an aesthetically suggestive and ecologically sound environment. At the same time, the landscape represents a favourable resource for economic activity, able to contribute to employment. It therefore represents a capital for economic development that acquires more and more importance in terms of competitiveness and sustainable development of the territories. Despite this, landscapes are subject to rapid and profound transformation processes that alter or jeopardize their values. In this regard, the case study of the winegrowing landscapes of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato of Piedmont is presented below, an emblematic area from the point of view of landscape as it has been recognized and became the 50th Italian UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2014.