The Spanish capital has been chosen to inaugurate the events of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026, an initiative proclaimed by the United Nations (UN). From April 9 to 11, the Institute of Engineering of Spain will welcome specialists from five continents to a forum that seeks not only to celebrate this ancient profession but also to ensure its continuity in the modern world.
This gathering is supported by significant international and local organizations, including the FAO, IMIDRA of the Community of Madrid, CIHEAM Zaragoza, the Global Alliance for Rangelands and Pastoralists, and the Fundación Trashumancia y Naturaleza. The collaboration of various foundations and public bodies highlights the relevance of pastoralism in the current political and environmental agenda.
For pastoralism to have a future, it must be a viable and modern option for young people.
One of the central themes of the event is how to attract new generations to a profession facing the challenge of an aging workforce. The forum will focus on proposing concrete solutions to ensure generational succession, incorporating the use of new technologies and innovations that simplify the daily work of shepherds. The goal is to adapt tradition to current times, sharing knowledge on how technification can contribute to the conservation of natural environments and improve the quality of life for those working with livestock.
The meeting also emphasizes the importance of pastoralism for territorial sustainability. Shepherds not only produce food, but their activity is crucial for maintaining ecosystems and preventing fires. Strategies will be discussed to improve the commercialization of products derived from extensive livestock farming, encouraging consumers to value the quality and origin of what they buy. Furthermore, the creation and strengthening of support networks among pastoral professionals will be promoted, facilitating the exchange of solutions to common problems internationally.
A prominent aspect of the event is the recognition of transhumance as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, a distinction obtained in 2019 and expanded in 2023. This title reinforces the vision of transhumance as a practice that is simultaneously cultural, economic, and environmentally sustainable. In this context, the Community of Madrid will present a proposal to declare transhumance as a Cultural Interest Asset (BIC), a fundamental step to protect and enhance the heritage associated with extensive livestock farming.
The international meeting will conclude on April 11 with a visit to the historic Casa de la Monta del IMIDRA in Aranjuez. Here, theory will give way to practice with a day of open activities showcasing the reality of the profession. Attendees can enjoy photographic exhibitions, wool textile art displays, and live demonstrations of herding and shearing. There will also be a space dedicated to the most innovative technological solutions for the sector and areas to learn about and appreciate products linked to native breeds, allowing the general public to directly engage with the work of the shepherd.
