MOVING Project - Alto Douro Vinhateiro Wine Policy Brief

MOVING project highlights policy challenges and recommendations for the Alto Douro Wine Region, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Portugal. This mountainous region, with its 2,000-year viticultural heritage and terraced vineyards, faces rural depopulation, land concentration, and infrastructure gaps. Key issues include reliance on seasonal migrant labour, youth outmigration, and off-site wine processing. Environmental sustainability is supported by agro-ecological and organic practices under EU CAP Rural Development. Recommendations stress integrated cross-sectoral policies linking agriculture, tourism, education, and infrastructure—especially in schools, healthcare, and internet access. Strengthening cooperatives, ensuring equitable land and water use, and investing in innovation and education are critical for long-term socio-ecological resilience.