Transhumance: definition and importance
Policy recommendations were developed in May 2004 in Switzerland within the framework of the European Union Accompanying Measure “TRANSHUMOUNT: A review of the role of transhumance in mountain ecosystem processes and dynamics” (EU 5th framework EVK2–CT–2002–80017). Transhumance—the seasonal oscillatory movement of livestock—is a very diverse practice. In some countries, it is mostly historical, whereas in others it is still very much alive. Common features are its flexibility, its complexity, and the utilization of complementarities in space (between habitats/landscapes) and time (between seasons). Transhumance links high mountain habitats with agricultural land in the valleys and in some cases adjacent lowlands. These elements together must be seen as a comprehensive system.
Throughout Europe, more than 4 million ha of agricultural land depend on transhumance. Many valuable cultural landscapes, rural communities, habitats, and species are directly linked to transhumance and are vital for tourism in mountain regions. The functioning of transhumance is threatened by modern pressures such as industrialization of agriculture and globalization, and by the difficulty of reconciling the demands of transhumance with a modern lifestyle. New ways must be found to maintain valuable transhumance landscapes while taking modern technological and societal developments into account.
Transhumance landscapes as regions of high nature-value farming
Transhumance landscapes are cultural landscapes that have evolved over centuries through the adaptation of human activities to harsh and fragile mountain environments. They comprise a wealth of traditions, local highly specialized knowhow, languages, mentalities and handicraft/art. Historically, transhumant systems consist of seasonal grazing sites, corridors, and local marketplaces. Habitats are therefore only one part of the story. The landscape is the framework in which habitats, vegetation and species are integrated. Similar habitats may need different management regimes depending on short-term and/or long-term objectives. The appropriate grazing pressure may also be different for contrasting habitats, such as calcareous grasslands and heathlands. Although they are part of the same system, the management of drove roads/cañadas/tratturi can be considered independently of the other parts of the system.
Conservation measures need to be considered at 4 general levels:
Landscapes, either as habitat complexes or as separate elements (eg cañadas);
Habitats (eg alpine grasslands, mesic grasslands, scrub);
Vegetation communities (eg Alysso–Sedion albi and Molinion caeruleae);
Animal and plant species (eg vultures and orchids).
Transhumant landscapes can only be preserved as a whole when all parts of the system maintain their function. The exception is modern, mobile sheep flocks in the Netherlands, which could be extended elsewhere. This means that the spatially different parts of the systems need to be conserved in a coherent way, by market-based and/or subsidized transhumance systems. The market-based system requires the maintenance of traditional agriculture or the development of new markets and the recognition of transhumance products. Any subsidy-based system requires political recognition of the value of nature conservation, cultural and other societal functions (eg fire prevention, scenery for tourism).
Habitats and biodiversity
Some habitats involved in transhumance are listed in Annex 1 of the EU Habitats and Species Directive (eg 6150: siliceous, alpine, and boreal grasslands), while others are priority habitats (eg 6230: species-rich Nardus grasslands). They require protection and can only be maintained in their current state through grazing. Transhumant methods can be used for their management, and management systems should be developed based on traditional practices, as in the management prescriptions in Environmentally Sensitive Areas in the UK.
Some species and races depend on transhumance. Examples include special breeds of domestic animals (eg Tudanca cattle), birds of prey (eg Griffon vultures), plant species (eg autumn crocus). Some of these are named in Annex 2 of the EU Habitats and Species Directive. It is possible to develop alternative management programs for birds of prey, but this is very difficult or impossible for many stress-intolerant grassland species and the associated insects and small mammals. Therefore support of transhumance can be of importance in achieving the goal of halting loss of biodiversity by 2010, the subject of many international and European agreements such as the 6th Convention on Biological Diversity Conference in 2002, the UN World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002, and the Gothenburg European Council in 2001.
Recommendations
At the TRANSHUMOUNT stakeholder workshop in Landquart, Switzerland, 26–28 May 2004, attended by 35 participants from 9 countries, recommendations were made in order to improve recognition of the public services provided by transhumance systems, improve the interaction between rural communities and herders, support the sale of products from transhumance systems, and provide directions on the design of public financial support schemes. The emphasis is not on additional public expenditure but on getting the priorities of the current support schemes right and on setting regulations that favor and do not impede transhumance.
1. Improve recognition of the public services provided by transhumance systems
The European Union (EU) should recognize the role of transhumance in maintaining many highly valued agricultural landscapes.
Transhumance is an integral part of traditional farming in most European mountains, and its significance for sustainable development should be recognized in the formulation of agricultural policies.
Transhumance systems are involved in many high nature-value farming systems, and EU countries should consider them as part of their assessment of Natura 2000 sites.
The current Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform is likely to accelerate the process of polarization of land use between intensively used land and that which is being progressively abandoned—an outcome which is not intended.
Although supporting transhumance agrees perfectly with the logic of the CAP reform as intended, in practice the new regulations are likely to exacerbate the current weaknesses of the system from the point of view of marginal livestock systems.
2. Improve the interaction between rural communities and herders
Local rural communities and herders are interdependent, but often the role of shepherds is critical for the following reasons:
Herding requires both traditional knowledge and skills relating to animals and sustainable grazing, as well as the aptitude to adopt new technologies. These capabilities need to be better acknowledged by society with the creation of specialized education to provide a recognized professional qualification.
Herders are often only seasonally employed and they are therefore disadvantaged in terms of social security. Out-of-season jobs need to be provided for shepherds, as well as more flexible social security systems.
Living conditions are often harsh during transhumance. Paying adequate salaries would facilitate the recruitment of skilled professionals.
In some cases, improving lodging and accessibility could increase the attractiveness of the work. Accessibility, however, must remain at levels which do not endanger habitats and biodiversity.
Transhumance helps maintain viable rural communities in marginal areas—a core objective of agricultural policy. It therefore deserves public support.
3. Support the sale of products from transhumance systems
Labeling transhumance products proves effective in some cases because it provides an identity that consumers value. That distinctiveness can be according to taste, region, or rarity. Labeling initiatives should be further supported and launched where possible.
Direct marketing and local distribution work well. Targeting specialized markets is also important. Identifying the extent and demand of the market is vital.
Public awareness can come through tourism and/or conservation agencies. Both need to be made aware of the ecological, agricultural and social importance of transhumance so that they can increase public awareness.
The local and decentralized processing and marketing of products should be encouraged.
4. Directions on the design of public financial support schemes
Many habitats and species associated with transhumance are unique and irreplaceable and have both economic and intrinsic value. Transhumance also contributes to the protection of mountain ecosystems and landscapes from natural hazards (eg fire, erosion, avalanches, landslides) by maintaining a stable mosaic of patches that have developed over centuries. This saves money and avoids costs that society would otherwise have to meet. Therefore, transhumance deserves much more public support. There is a need to support the livelihoods of transhumance farmers, or else they will continue to disappear.
In mountain regions, transhumance is central to multifunctional agriculture. The European Union should recognize this. It could consider the example of Switzerland, where a sophisticated support system for sustainable mountain farming exists.
Some of the modulation money should be spent to support transhumance systems through agri-environmental and other rural development programs.
Agri-environmental measures and rural development measures that support transhumance should receive at least 80% funding from the EU.
Current hygienic standards may prevent the small-scale processing and marketing of transhumance products. Hygienic standards need to be flexible enough to allow for the production and marketing of local transhumance products without endangering food safety.
Local, traditional breeds are best adapted to transhumance. They are also important reserves of genetic diversity for future breeding programs. Their further reproduction needs to be assured and supported.
Public institutions should have a policy for maintaining the network of drover roads and tracks required for the migration of herds, including facilities for animals to be transported by trains or lorries.
In cases where transhumance links areas over long distances, regional governments and local authorities need to cooperate to sustain and enhance transhumance. Cooperation between landowners and livestock farmers in disparate regions needs to be recognized and supported.
Further information
More information is available at www.alterra-research.nl/transhumount, and in the recently published book:
