INTRODUCTION & WELCOME 15
We are also aware that the consumer nowadays has high principles related with health, wellbeing and environment and we have to meet their expectations. Additionally, to embrace the most demanding markets, companies are subject to a careful selection by the monopolies, which pay considerable attention to social and environmental contribution of each business.
The landscape surrounding us, the concern and the careful and professional maintenance of our vineyards are crucial to our activity.
We operate in an industry with some significant environmental impacts regulated by law, in such delicate operations such as construction of reservoirs, waste production, the replacement of natural vegetation by new vineyards, etc... Probably we would have already lost some vines to water erosion if not for the obligation to preserve the water lines, to conserve natural resources. We have to rise to the challenges.
The Duorum project within the group( Douro) with 8 years of existence, has been a major national and international environmental icon. One of the properties, Quinta de Castelo Melhor, is partially placed in two conservation areas included in the European conservation network( Natura 2000), namely a Special Protection Area for Birds and a Special Area of Conservation for Habitats
In 2012 we were invited by Portuguese Nature Conservation Institute( ICN) to join the European Business & Biodiversity Initiative, a platform and network of companies that show clear commitments in order to integrate biodiversity on its business.
In 2013, The Empreendouro award which honors the best entrepreneurial projects in the Douro region- and Viticulture Company of the Year
2015- International recognition came this year, when we won the Anders Wall Award, THE BEST EUROPEAN SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT IN RURAL AREAS.
This award is promoted by several entities, including“ Anders Wall Foundation”,“ Friends of the Countryside”,“ DG Environment European Commission” and“ Swedish Royal Forestry and Agriculture Academy” awarding every year the European project that best contributed
to sustainable rural development, landscape preservation and promotion of biodiversity, enhancing also the rural economy within the European community.
Our group companies were pioneers in the implementation of legal obligations relating to the European Environmental Liability Directive, which is based on the polluter pays ´ s principle that ensures the repair of environmental damage before the whole community, promoting risk management.
João Portugal Ramos Family Estates has created a compelling sustainable vision of its business and as a consequence is now facing a tremendous challenge and is also determined to protect the environment for the next generations.