A new study in Latin America that evaluates a conservation strategy in the industry provides an x-ray of the vineyards that seek to reconcile production with the protection of the Mediterranean ecosystem, the most threatened in Chile.
The great reputation of Chilean wine has allowed Chile to be the main exporter of this product in the Southern Hemisphere and the fourth worldwide. However, the drink is produced in the Mediterranean area, where the most threatened ecosystem is found in Chile. In this scenario, a group of scientists began a work with companies for a decade, with the aim of protecting the sclerophyllous forest.

The Wine, Climate Change and Biodiversity (VCCB) program is a pioneering initiative of the Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB) and the Austral University. In order to evaluate its strategy, a team of scientists conducted the first study in Latin America on the human dimension of conservation in the wine industry, through the innovative combination of social and natural sciences, to identify the motivations, attitudes and barriers that determine the decision making regarding the environment, thus verifying that several vineyards are implementing concrete measures for the protection of nature.

The researchers argue that the study shows that attitudes are not the most important factor that motivates the vineyards to take measures for the conservation of biodiversity, but that it is the social influence, inside and outside the company, that encourages the shelter of this ecosystem that only exists in five places in the world, and that is where the wine is produced. This information is essential to design effective strategies that promote sustainability in agricultural systems.

Scientists have built a bridge between science and business, something that in Chile is little developed. Unlike other places that have similar projects, such as South Africa or New Zealand, in Chile this program was born from the academy and has expanded nationally.

For the research, which was published by Environmental Conservation magazine, representatives of 23 vineyards were interviewed, 14 of which belonged, at that time, to the VCCB. Currently, the figure has grown to 20 companies associated with the project, which have added together 26,499 hectares for the protection of the native forest. This is not minor if we consider that only 1.7% of the Mediterranean ecosystem, equivalent to 256,901 hectares, is under protection by the National System of Protected Areas.

The vineyards that most implement conservation actions are those that perceive a greater number of people who approve or promote the adoption of this type of practices, that is, not only the owner and the consumer are important, also the winemaker, the winemaker, the field manager, among others.

In this way, the companies have executed a series of measures, such as the establishment of forest strips so that they become biological corridors, allowing the movement of the species; the use of native plants to keep the soil and the water cycle in good condition; the generation of habitats to ensure the presence of biological controllers, such as birds or insects that fight pests naturally; and the eradication of invasive alien species.

The commitment has escalated to such a level that even the Wine Association of Chile, which represents the majority of the country’s wine producers, incorporated the practices promoted by the VCCB into its Sustainability Code.

It was the vineyards associated with the program that pushed the inclusion of these practices in the Sustainability Code, which shows how powerful is the influence between peers, that is, the influence they exert among themselves.
Quality and Chilean wine
Wine is broadly defined by the terroir or terroir, a concept that links its identity with its geographical origin. This refers to the specific characteristics of the soil, topography, climate, landscape and biodiversity present in the vineyard, which shape the “personality” and uniqueness of the drink, giving it a value much appreciated by consumers.

Currently, the vineyards report that conservation generates a benefit in the identity of the product. By safeguarding local biodiversity, be it birds, vegetation or soil microorganisms, you maintain the identity of Chilean wine. The opposite would be a monoculture, where it does not matter if you are in Chile, Italy or the United States, because it is homogeneous.

In the same line there have been several benefits that conservation has given to production: From an increase in the quality of grapes and wines to the development of a better country image. It also positively affects people who work or live in the sector, creating a sense of belonging and love for the place and what they do.

Although there is a lack of research to determine the specific effects of biodiversity protection in winemaking, the interdisciplinary evaluation of conservation strategies, as well as the different motivations and barriers, are key to ensure its implementation and success in the long term.

The future looks very positive. Every time you see more vines that are incorporating sustainable agriculture. The interest comes not only from the companies themselves, but from wine consumers. Vintners have not only learned conservation practices, but also the value of science. After evaluating our strategy, we hope to improve our program and that more vines will get on the bandwagon.

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