Environmental and Landscape Charter

Prepared by the Luberon Regional Nature Park between 2018 and 2020, the Landscape Plan for the Luberon-Lure Biosphere Reserve identified an action to be undertaken within the framework of the Luberon AOC.

This project seeks to take into account the relationship between the landscapes, the different terroirs and the Luberon massif, alongside the growing importance of tourism and the new approaches to agriculture and viticulture adopted by newcomers to the region.

It also considers the impact of climate change and addresses the environmental issues associated with agricultural activity.

The primary purpose of this charter is to oversee the preservation and enhancement of the landscape in the AOC area, with a particular focus on viticulture, recognising that landscapes are made up of many interrelated elements. Each element of the landscape contributes to the overall character and identity of the area, whether it be vineyards, other agricultural land, natural features, traditional and contemporary development, roads, or its historic buildings and vernacular heritage.

The following are the charter's key areas of action:

• Preserving the availability of farming land by restoring abandoned areas and encouraging sustainable farming practices.
• Promoting recognition of the Luberon Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) at the local level through local authorities.
• Updating the Luberon AOC production rules to encourage eco-friendly practices, adapt to climate change, and integrate the landscape value of viticulture into the region.
• Supporting research, knowledge-sharing, training and the changes needed to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
• Prioritising the conservation of soils and water, recognising that they are closely interconnected.
• Recognising the efforts of wine producers committed to eco-friendly and energy-efficient practices.
• Helping the wine producers to showcase their wine domaine by enhancing visitor reception facilities, the areas surrounding the domaine’s buildings, and the way their domaines are perceived from public spaces, particularly roads and footpaths.
• Supporting a shift in perceptions of the landscape, both among the general public and among the wine producers themselves.
• Developing a clear narrative that presents the AOC in the context of its landscapes and the wider territory, supported by a communication strategy.
• Promoting Luberon wines to the general public, training institutions and hospitality professionals by highlighting the region's landscapes.
• Implementing communication activities and working with local partners to raise awareness and build a better understanding of winegrowing in the Luberon.

To support the implementation of this initiative, the AOC's Syndicat (winegrowers' association) submitted an application for LEADER funding to the Haute-Provence Luberon Local Action Group (LAG). The Luberon AOC's Environmental and Landscape Charter is funded through the LEADER programme, managed by the Haute-Provence Luberon Local Action Group (LAG), with additional support from the Région Sud and the Vaucluse department.

The work began in 2022 with the aim of fostering an inclusive, participatory approach that encourages dialogue between all those involved, including wine producers, public institutions, associations and the Chamber of Agriculture.

To help us better understand your views on the landscapes of the Luberon and their relationship with the Luberon AOC, we invite you to complete a short survey. Click HERE to take part.

You can follow the progress of our initiative in the downloadable documents below.

Landscape Charter   Charter Essentials