Assessing Vegetation Heritage Value: The Alentejo Central (Portugal) as a Case Study

Vegetation natural heritage can be valued in itself, but also as a habitat for many wildlife species. This study presents methodological essay concerning the evaluation of plant heritage, applied Central Alentejo, south Portugal. was based on following criteria: horizontal and vertical structure vegetation, tree cover density, rare species richness, phytocenotic maturity, importance ecological corridor, historical record, scientific educational potential recreational potential. The vegetation value (VHV) calculated using linear combination weighted criteria. In this way it possible to identify most interesting areas conservation purposes. Of 7500 km2 analyzed, 52% are semi-natural areas, these, 18.8% have very high VHV, 70.7% VHV only 10.5% average VHV. highest actually included under protected Natura 2000 sites.