programmes, which seek to integrate the environmental, economic and social dimensions of sustainability. In recent years, there has been a growing focus on sustainable production practices. Sectoral sustainability programmes and environmental monitoring initiatives have been promoting the adoption of good agricultural practices, including efficient water management, reduced use of plant protection products, biodiversity conservation and improved energy efficiency on farms. This trend reflects the growing demands of international markets and consumers regarding the sustainability of agri-food supply chains. Among these programmes, the Alentejo Olive Oil Sustainability Programme, run by OLIVUM and the University of Évora, is particularly noteworthy; this programme is already contributing, as was the case in the wine sector, to the establishment of a set of innovative best practices in the olive oil sector. EDIA itself has developed a programme called ‘Sustainable Alqueva’, which cuts across all existing sectors operating in Alqueva, including the agroindustrial sector and tourism. It is intended to serve as a further approach to disseminating existing best practices that can be implemented in the various economic areas linked to the Alqueva Project. Despite the positive results achieved, the development of olive groves in Alqueva also presents challenges that must be monitored on an ongoing basis. These include, in particular, the need to ensure the sustainable management of water resources in the context of climate change, the preservation of the territory’s landscape and ecological diversity, and the strengthening of the social and economic integration of local communities. In this context, the sustainability of olive groves in Alqueva must be understood from an integrated perspective, one that combines the objectives of economic competitiveness with environmental protection and the social development of the region. The consolidation of this model will depend on the ability to continue promoting technological innovation, good agricultural practices, transparency in resource management and dialogue with society. In summary, the modern olive groves established in the Alqueva region have become one of the main drivers of the transformation of Portuguese agriculture. The combination of investment, technological innovation, supply chain organisation and favourable natural conditions has enabled the country to establish itself as a major producer of olive oil on the international stage. The sector’s future will depend on its ability to continue integrating economic competitiveness, environmental sustainability and social development, ensuring that the growth achieved translates into lasting benefits for the region and the country. SUSTAINABLE ALQUEVA The Sustainable Alqueva project forms part of the strategy for the economic, social and environmental enhancement of the Alqueva region, promoting development models based on sustainability, efficient use of resources and business innovation. The initiative aims to strengthen the competitiveness of economic activities associated with the region, encouraging the adoption of more efficient and responsible practices, in line with the challenges of the climate and energy transition. Targeting the sectors of agriculture, agro-industry and tourism, the project seeks to support businesses and economic actors in incorporating solutions that balance productivity, the sustainable use of natural resources and the creation of added value. In this context, capacity-building activities, technical sessions, workshops and demonstration initiatives are being promoted to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and the sharing of best practices amongst businesses, producers and organisations within the scientific and technological sector. The project is the result of a partnership between EDIA, NERBE/AEBAL – the Business Association of the Lower Alentejo and Coast – and NERE – the Évora Region Business Centre; these organisations are working together to promote initiatives supporting the business community and to strengthen coordination between different sectors of activity in the region. Co-funded by Portugal 2030, under the Alentejo 2030 Regional Programme, ‘Sustainable Alqueva’ helps to consolidate Alqueva as a region of innovation applied to sustainability, promoting an integrated approach that combines efficient water and energy management, the circular economy, adaptation to climate change and the economic valorisation of resources. 88 CULTIVAR ANALYSIS AND PROSPECTIVE STUDIES No. 35 Olive groves and olive oil
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