Alexandra Marta-Costa
Associate Professor; Centre for Transdisciplinary Development Studies (CETRAD); Department of Economy, Sociology and Management (DESG); University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro; Quinta de Prados, 5000-911 Vila Real, Portugal, Tel: (+351) 259302201; Fax: (+351) 259302249; amarta@utad.pt.
Filipa Torres-Manso
Mountain Research Centre (CIMO); Department of Forest Science and Landscape Architecture; University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro; Quinta de Prados, 5000-911 Vila Real, Portugal, ftorres@utad.pt.
Luís Tibério
Centre for Transdisciplinary Development Studies (CETRAD); Department of Economy, Sociology and Management (DESG); University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro; Quinta de Prados, 5000-911 Vila Real, Portugal, mtiberio@utad.pt.
Abstract
Serra de Montemuro Site is a Natura 2000 classified area in northern Portugal, especially for its role in preserving both the landscape, environmental and cultural heritage. Based on the main features of the territory in question, as well as on the agroforestry activities developed therein, this article aims at depicting the main aspects which characterize the (un)sustainability of the afore mentioned activities, namely some of the challenges that a sustainable agroforestry development must be able to meet. The methodological procedures included several complementary processes of information gathering such as: bibliographical research, field research, interviews, participatory meetings and sectoral meetings. Two implications arise from this sustainability diagnosis: 1) the revenue isn’t sufficient to maintain the agroforestry systems; 2) the conservation of this territory is imperative and the agroforestry systems are essential for this purpose.