Methodological proposal for the assessment of vegetation heritage value: application in Central Alentejo (Portugal)

Vegetation is an important part of landscape heritage valuation since it can be not only valuated per se but also as habitat for many wildlife species. Since some years, the authors develop methods to estimate the landscape natural and cultural heritage values. A method to estimate vegetation heritage value is explained in this study being applied to Central Alentejo. A criteria selection and weighting method is presented as well as the evaluation established by a round table of experts. The criteria used were: potential area for vegetation conservation purposes based on horizontal and vertical structure of vegetation patches, tree density, rare species richness, phytocoenotic maturity, importance as ecological corridor, historical record, scientific and educational potential and recreation potential. The vegetation heritage value was calculated by a linear combination of the weighted criteria