The Shepherd Community of the Albanian Alps: Perspective on the Importance of Preserving Transhumance Practices

Abstract

This study, part of a request for UNESCO to protect the practice of transhumance, provides a reflection carried out by shepherds in dialogue with pastoral agents who have accompanied them for several years. The dynamics of transhumance, a multi-millennial practice, links to a group of populations and a particular civilisation characterised by a historical, linguistic, cultural and social specificities. Transhumant pastoralism belongs to their cultural identity. Considering current governance systems, the problem exposed will be studied according to what constitutes the phenomenon of transhumance and its historical evolution. How are the shepherds situated in terms of resilience and resistance? What are their vulnerabilities and their capacities for adaptation? What is their conception of appropriate governance while respecting their traditional culture? This text intends to give some answers that they provided.

Keywords

• transhumance
• pastoralism
• traditional culture
• albania
• ecocultural heritage