In a paper published this week, the Center's associate director Joshua Viers makes a case for accelerating "vinecology" -- the integration of ecological and viticultural practices -- in regions with Mediterranean-type climate.

Current transitions in the wine industry make it an ideal time to promote the concepts of vinecology, says Viers and fellow research ecologists in the wine-growing areas of Chile, South Africa and Australia. Vineyard expansion is leveling off, making it easier for growers to create species habitat, such as with vegetation between rows for the good of both wine grapes and the butterflies, bees and birds.

In addition, current market trends show that producers and consumers value environmental stewardship. Growers of high-value crops such as wine grapes will likely take to land and water conservation measures as a hedge against climate change, the authors say.

The paper in the research journal Conservation Letters broadens the agricultural perspective on what it means to conserve nature in a post-wild world.