Newsletter No. 3 – January 2025

First mobility: Conference on generational renewal

By Fabienne Gilot

Young people discovering transhumance in Greece: a rewarding learning experience.

As part of the Erasmus+ project “Eco-TransH”, coordinated by Campus Pyrénées Comminges, young people from France, Mongolia, Morocco, Italy and Romania gathered in Larissa, Greece, to explore the pastoral tradition of transhumance.

This intercultural stay combined educational activities and moments of exchange around an ancestral practice listed as intangible cultural heritage of humanity. A conference on generational renewal in the pastoral sector and the production of a collective mini-clip enabled participants to compare their perspectives and discuss the challenges facing pastoralism.

The young participants visited an agricultural institute and a transhumance ecomuseum, and shared traditional meals, strengthening intercultural dialogue. Language barriers were overcome, creating a space for mutual understanding between diverse pastoral cultures, from the yaks of Mongolia to the goats of Morocco.

The stay also highlighted the economic and climate-related challenges facing Greece, raising participants’ awareness of the urgent need to adopt sustainable agricultural practices.

Despite the health restrictions, the experience confirmed the value of transhumance as a driver of solidarity and cultural transmission, highlighting the key role of agricultural education in preserving rural knowledge and skills. The programme demonstrated that intercultural exchange is a powerful tool for strengthening mutual understanding between peoples and promoting collective solutions to global challenges.

“I really enjoyed this stay in Greece because it gave me the opportunity to meet different people and discover other ways of doing things. It takes you out of your own environment and allows you to discover countries that do not necessarily raise the same animals, or in the same way. I learned that transhumance is not only a method of livestock farming, but also a way of life. We met Greek people who have practised pastoralism and nomadism for centuries, as well as Mongolians who travel across the steppes. I also discovered that some of their practices are similar to those of my native island, Corsica, where pastoralism has also been practised for a very long time.”

Nicolas PIERCHON

Next mobility in May 2025: heading to Romania to discuss climate, its impact on forage resources and water availability…

“We gained valuable knowledge, particularly by visiting historical sites where nomadic communities once lived. This allowed us to see how different countries preserve their traditional heritage and pass it on to future generations. We became more aware of our role in safeguarding the heritage and culture of Mongolian herders, as well as their traditional use of pastures. It is essential to preserve the natural and ecological balance of our country. Finally, the discussions on pasture management, irrigation systems, and the relationship between people, nature and animals gave us valuable ideas on how to better support our nomadic communities and shepherds.”