Participatory ecodesign of crop management based on Life Cycle Assessment: an approach to inform the strategy of a Protected Denomination of Origin. A case study in viticulture

Abstract

Since the context on environmental issues is challenging, the Cognac protected denomination of origin (PDO) adopted life cycle assessment (LCA) to inform its environmental strategy, initially focusing on vineyard soil management. This study developed a participatory eco-design approach involving stakeholders to inform the PDOs’ strategy for transitioning to less impactful crop management practices. It did this by drawing on literature that emphasises the use of participatory design, serious games, and LCA to foster knowledge sharing, engagement, and sustainability assessment. The approach that was put to the test in the Cognac PDO involved 17 elected officials with varying levels of experience. The participants used the serious game known as Vitigame (a game done for participatory ecodesign in viticulture) to ecodesign a soil management and fertilisation pathway for 2030, with the process guided by the results of the LCA. Exchange dynamics, LCA results, and participant feedback were analysed. The study revealed diverse dynamics and efficient ecodesign strategies among the participant groups, which resulted in a reduction of environmental impacts by up to 51% and raised new questions for the territory. The diversity of participants presented challenges, highlighting the need to improve LCA knowledge sharing. The workshop’s results could inform the PDO’s strategic planning. The interest of this innovative process including a serious game was confirmed, suggesting potential applications to other viticultural PDOs and adaptability to diverse sectors.