The disappearance of traditional agricultural landscapes in the Mediterranean basin. The case of almond orchards in Central Italy

The inland areas of the Mediterranean basin are characterised by numerous traditional agricultural landscapes. These areas have also been subjected to rapid land-use changes, and in particular, to a steep decline in the agricultural acreage. Therefore, many traditional landscapes are at risk of becoming ‘forgotten’ landscapes and of disappearing. This report aims to highlight this trend through the description of a case study of the almond landscape in the central Apennines (Italy). The study follows an investigation of the almond landscape evolution carried out through bibliographic documentation and geographical information system analysis. The purpose is two-fold: to characterise the almond landscape as a traditional rural landscape; and to highlight what the components are that show that this traditional landscape is in danger of disappearing.