In June 2022, Euromontana will launch a Discussion Forum among different pastoral schools across Europe. Organised in the frame of the LIFE ShepForBio project, this Discussion Forum aims to create a common space where pastoral schools across Europe can meet up, exchange their experiences, learn from each other, discuss about common challenges and potential collaborations.
The loss of pastoral knowledge: a worrisome trend
As evidenced by our OREKA MENDIAN study, pastoralism is essential to keep mountain areas liveable and productive. Yet, across Europe, most countries are gradually losing their knowledge on pastoral practices due to ageing, outmigration from mountain areas, and the shift of pastoralism to a part-time activity. The loss of pastoral knowledge is worrisome, and it risks downsizing natural biodiversity and local livestock breeds, as well as exacerbating the unsustainable use of resources needed for livestock.
Euromontana pledges to preserve pastoral knowledge, as well as to make attractive for new generations and fit for 21st century challenges, such as climate change and lack of competitiveness in the face of globalisation pressure. Shepherding schools have a big role in this direction. Therefore, in the frame of the LIFE ShepForBio project, Euromontana launches a Discussion Forum targeted to pastoral schools across Europe.
Within this Discussion Forum, different pastoral schools will have the opportunity to meet up regularly over the next years and discuss their own experiences, best practices and challenges. The final aim is to create a European network of pastoral schools that can build on each other’s successes and difficulties and set up future collaborations. The first meeting of the Discussion Forum will take place in June 2022. If you represent a pastoral school and would like to participate in the Discussion Forum: fill in this survey to express your interest.
What is ShepForBio?
LIFE ShepForBio is a European project to conserve grasslands and enhance pastoral practices in marginal mountain areas of the Apennines (Italy) between 2021 and 2026. Coordinated by D.R.E.A.M. Italia, Euromontana is in charge to broaden the scope and dissemination of the project at European level, via the Discussion Forum, three international conferences and a collection of good practices. For specific questions, please contact Carla Lostrangio, Project Manager at Euromontana (carla.lostrangio@euromontana.org)
