RESOLUTION VITI 2/99

HISTORICAL MOUNTAIN/STEEP SLOPE VITICULTURAL LANDS

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY,

HAVING TAKEN account of the results of the Cervim (Centre de Recherche de la Viticulture de Montagne) symposium on May 17, 1996 in Vila Real (Portugal) on mountain and/or steep slope viticulture

NOTES

• That a number of mountain and/or steep slope vineyards of fundamental cultural and historical value are threatened by aggression or abandonment,
• That the type and originality of the products of these territories are of high traditional value,
• That most of the vineyards in question are located in areas with historical and touristic value,
• That it is necessary to maintain human activity in these areas to ensure the safeguarding and durability of these lands,
• That recognizing these sites for the value of their world cultural heritage represents a way of safeguarding their biodiversity and socio-economic value

REQUESTS

• That member states take action to safeguard and maintain mountain and/or steep slope viticulture;
• That UNESCO favorably considers requests for classifying these vineyards as having worldwide cultural value.