Transhumance is a fundamental activity, although many people may not know exactly what it is. Its importance has recently been recognized on a global scale: UNESCO has declared it Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and the United Nations General Assembly unanimously proclaimed 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.
What’s the goal behind these recognitions? To raise awareness about the value of healthy rangelands and the importance of sustainable grazing.
You may have come across these concepts before, as we’ve previously discussed how grazing can help prevent wildfires and the differences between extensive and intensive livestock farming. However, it’s likely that the concept of transhumance is still not entirely clear to you—nor its many benefits. This article aims to clarify both.
What is Transhumance?
According to the Royal Spanish Academy Dictionary, the verb “trashumar” means: “to move livestock from winter pastures to summer pastures and vice versa.” In essence, transhumance refers to an extensive pastoral practice where herds are moved seasonally. It is most commonly practiced with ruminant livestock, particularly sheep and cattle.
Transhumance is a traditional practice found across the globe, although it has gradually declined over time. Today, it survives in only two regions of Europe: Scandinavia and the Mediterranean area. Spain plays a significant role, being the second most mountainous country in Europe, and thus offering ideal terrain for transhumance.
What Are Its Modern-Day Benefits?
Transhumance is the most extensive form of pastoralism, and the drover’s roads (traditional livestock routes) play a vital role as reservoirs of biodiversity. Livestock helps transport seeds and insects over long distances, facilitating species exchange between ecosystems. For instance, in Spain, experts estimate that each sheep can carry up to 5,000 seeds and fertilize the soil with approximately three kilograms of manure during transhumant journeys.
In addition to these environmental contributions, transhumance provides several other benefits for rural areas, including:
- Mitigating climate change by enhancing soil carbon sequestration.
- Preventing wildfires by reducing undergrowth along grazing paths.
- Producing food sustainably, in harmony with nature.
- Preserving traditional culture and supporting local economies.
However, it is essential that transhumance is a regulated and controlled activity, compliant with legal standards. In fact, only livestock from farms with high animal health ratings are authorized to move as part of transhumant practices.
Experience Transhumance First-Hand with GOinsitu
At GOinsitu, we are strong advocates of this pastoral model. We aim to give visibility to its value and benefits through our activities. One of our standout experiences is guided hiking routes alongside transhumant shepherds, where participants enjoy nature while gaining insight into this ancient livestock practice.
