The vernissage of the exhibition "Vines and Nature - The Pfyn-Finges Wine Park" took place at the Salgesch Nature and Landscape Center on 19 June. It spans a fascinating arc from the various cultivation methods to (legal) disputes and the founding of the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park
Coronavirus and viticulture
Coronaviruses develop in impoverished habitats. It is therefore essential for humanity to preserve biodiversity everywhere - including in vineyards. A lot has happened here in recent decades. After centuries of manual cultivation, winegrowers found herbicides and pesticides an enormous relief. However, their use and the clearing of the landscape led to a loss of biodiversity. Newer practices such as integrated production, the greening of vines and organic farming have slowed down this development. Agriculture that promotes biodiversity therefore makes a direct contribution to human security.
The long dispute over vine melioration
In the 1980s, two completely opposing world views clashed in Salgesch: on the one hand, the winegrowers wanted to create simpler working conditions for themselves and, to this end, wanted the area around the "Maria sieben Schmerzen" chapel to undergo melioration. On the other hand, landscape and nature conservationists absolutely did not understand why they wanted to destroy this small parcelled landscape. They struggled with each other for a long time and were only able to present a definitive solution in 1995. In between, the melioration process was at times a veritable thriller, including illegal work and demonstrations.
The fact that an agreement was finally reached also paved the way for ideas such as the development of gentle, nature-loving tourism and the nature park. The parties, who had to find an agreement over a period of years, also learned to understand the other side better during this process - an important prerequisite for the creation of today's Regional Nature Park, which extends far beyond the Pfynwald conservation area.
Pioneers
The exhibition is also a tribute to various pioneers who shaped viticulture and the landscape in Salgesch: André Mathier, for example, planted his vineyards more than 50 years ago - and was attacked for a long time because of it. Albert Constantin campaigned with as much energy for vine melioration (i.e. easier working conditions for winegrowers) as Raimund Rodewald did for the protection of the landscape. Jean-Michel Cina, for his part, brought about a solution that was supported by all sides.
Two institutions, three parts
In addition to the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park exhibition in Salgesch, the Valais Wine Museum is also showing the exhibition "Between the Lines of Culture" in its rooms in Sierre. In addition, various events will be offered throughout the year and a book will be published on October 30th with contributions from 17 scientists who present the topic of "Vines and Nature" from very different perspectives.
Anyone visiting the exhibition in Salgesch should not miss the wine sensorium and emerald lizard trail right next door. This provides a program for the whole family.