Landscape and heritage of the transhumance in Spain. Challenges for a sustainable and responsible tourism

Abstract

Transhumance is the seasonal movement of flocks (mainly cows, sheep, goats and horses) among two or more geographic areas. The objective is the rational use of pastures, and takes place in all sorts of places around the world, as part of a millennial land culture. Globally, these forms of land use are more widespread in the so-called “marginal lands”: the arid areas, but also the mountainous or subarctic areas. The herd migrations in Spain created a complex map of drove roads. Although its use has declined dramatically, in some areas they retain a good conservation. This practice has given rise to “cañadas”, “cordeles” and “veredas” which, historically, have connected the mountains of the North, the valleys and central plains, and the grasslands of South. The origin of the transhumance in Spain dates back to the dawn of the Neolithic and the first organized societies of the Iberian Peninsula. However, this phenomenon had important political and economic interest between the 13th and 18th centuries, supported from the “Concejo de la Mesta de los Pastores de Mio Reyno” (driven from the monarchy institution), which purpose was to encourage the breeding of sheep and wool production corresponding to boost the manufacture of fabrics. Long-haul and walk transhumance virtually disappear during the 20th century. However, extensive pastoralism survives and, next to it, a landscape and a heritage that shows the identity and character of a large part of the Spanish territory. In particular, cattle trails network traces a journey of more than 125,000 km and 400,000 hectares. It connects places and landscapes of varied nature, and sustains a rich and heterogeneous tangible and intangible heritage. Since 1993, there are organizations that seek to recover the livestock use of the drove roads and its social projection. A 1995 law protects, preserves, and promotes the migrating routes. In the last decade, is observed the spread of pastoralism fairs, creation of museums, festivals of transhumance, paths and routes based on pastoral theme, publications and specialized seminars. In general, there is a growing social interest in the continuation of this old type of livestock. And besides, many tourism entrepreneurs have shown interest and connect with this emerging typology. This conference aims to explain the new tourist trends related to extensive grazing and transhumance in different countries and regions, particularly in Spain. It introduces the elements and actors interested in promoting a kind of responsible and sustainable tourism based on the contents of the Spanish transhumance. And, finally, provides practical examples of public and private initiatives that offer the transhumance tourist experience.