Marseille (France) – International conference – “Transhumance as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity: A Momentum for the Future?”

The Maison de la Transhumance, in partnership with the French Ministry of Culture and the Massif Local Breeds Collective, is organizing an international conference on transhumance on April 21, 22, and 23, 2026, at the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations. This event is being held in the context of transhumance’s recent inscription on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
The conference aims to take stock of progress in the implementation of safeguarding and promotion plans for transhumance in the various countries involved in the inscription process, as well as to share experiences on future-oriented issues related to the practice, such as shepherd training, adaptation to climate change, and the valorization of products derived from transhumant livestock systems. It will bring together representatives from the Ministries of Culture, livestock stakeholders (breeders, herders), and coordinators of transhumance safeguarding and promotion plans.
The conference will host delegations from the ten countries already inscribed (Italy, Austria, Greece, France, Spain, Romania, Croatia, Albania, Andorra, Luxembourg), from countries currently applying (Bulgaria, Slovakia, Poland, Turkey, Serbia, Ukraine), from the southern Mediterranean shore (Morocco, Algeria), and from Mongolia (the country that initiated the International Year of Pastoralism).