Langhe, Roero and Monferrato: UNESCO partnership with the Honghe Hani

Langhe, Roero and Monferrato: UNESCO partnership with the Honghe Hani rice terraces

The Langhe, Roero and Monferrato wine landscapes, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, maintain an active exchange with the Honghe Hani rice terraces in China. Since 2019 the two sites have cooperated on landscape protection, biodiversity, sustainable technologies and educational programmes aimed at younger generations.

The partnership includes cultural exchanges, promotion of traditional agricultural practices and joint reflections on energy sustainability. Locally, the site management body in Piedmont coordinates the involved municipalities and is preparing an updated management plan to address tourism pressures and conservation priorities.

Key elements of the updated management approach

• Shared planning: engagement of municipalities and local communities in defining protection and access rules.
• Sustainable hospitality: measures to ensure tourism is compatible with landscape conservation.
• Technical exchanges: trials of new technologies to monitor biodiversity, energy use and farming practices.
• Youth education: school programmes and training activities to transmit traditional knowledge and raise awareness.

Practical advice for visitors

When visiting the UNESCO site of Langhe, Roero and Monferrato, follow these recommendations to minimize impact and help preserve the area:

• Visit outside peak periods to experience the landscape with fewer crowds.
• Stick to marked trails and respect farmland boundaries to protect crops and wildlife.
• Support local businesses: wineries, farmhouses and shops help sustain the local economy and conservation efforts.
• Join guided tours or workshops organised by the management association to learn about history, agricultural methods and future plans.

The site’s value lies not only in its scenic beauty but also in the active collaboration among communities, administrations and international partners working toward a sustainable model of enjoyment. The partnership with the Honghe Hani terraces illustrates how heritage protection and innovation can progress through shared projects and cultural exchange.