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 .