MASTER THESIS. Evaluating the Potential of Transhumant Heritage for Rural Regeneration by Alfredo Curran

TITLE PAGE

ABSTRACT

Project Title: WALKING WITH TRADITION Evaluating the potential of Transhumant Heritage and Livestock Trails for Rural Regeneration in Spain

This thesis explores the potential of Transhumant Heritage and Livestock Trails as catalysts for sustainable rural regeneration in Spain. Through stakeholder engagement in diverse Spanish rural regions, this research investigates the viability, challenges, and prospects of using Transhumant Heritage to revitalize these rural landscapes through responsible heritage tourism. The study finds significant potential within Transhumant Heritage and Livestock Trails as drivers for rural regeneration in Spain.

Submission Date: 13th September 2023 Author: Alfredo Álvarez Curran Supervisor: Lise Schroder Num of Pages: 150 Appendices: 2

Before engaging with the relevant stakeholders, current heritage tourism paradigms and successful heritage-led rural regeneration strategies are presented. Secondly, the historical and natural value of transhumance and livestock trails, as well as their current legal and physical situation, is reviewed.

At this point, transhumant heritage is put in relation to regenerative tourism strategies and later presented to different stakeholder groups related to rural development and transhumance across Spain. Through a series of interviews and a surveying campaign, the feedback is collected and analyzed.

Key challenges include overcoming resistance among local actors, addressing land-use conflicts, and enhancing local participation and collaboration. The complex administrative situtation of traditional livestock trails call for institutional support and multi-administrative collaboration.

The study shows that although stakeholders express optimism about the benefits, including economic revitalization and cultural preservation, environmental concerns and external management pose challenges. There is a fear among local farmers and experts that tourism might deteriorate wildlife around livestock trails, igniting current land-use diputes among farmers and cattle owners.

In conclusion, the study highlights the undeniable potential of Transhumant Heritage and Livestock Trails to ignite sustainable rural regeneration in Spain. Embracing community engagement, sustainable tourism, local collaboration, and institutional support is key. This journey exemplifies Transhumant Heritage’s enduring spirit and its power to regenerate Spain’s rural areas.

PREFACE This Thesis represents an exploration into the heart of rural Spain and the potential for its revitalization through the prism of Transhumant Heritage and Livestock Trails. As I embarked on this research, I was drawn to transhumant heritage as a timeless tradition and cultural treasure that has shaped the landscapes of this diverse nation for centuries. This thesis is a culmination of extensive literature research, countless conversations and shared insights with individuals and communities across different rural Spanish regions. Their voices, experiences, and aspirations are embodied in this work, serving as a reminder that the strength of any rural regeneration strategy lies in the collaboration and shared vision of its participants. The quest to understand the viability of Heritage-Led Rural Regeneration

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS through Transhumant Heritage has been a journey of discovery, marked by both profound revelations and complex challenges. It is my hope that this research not only sheds light on the potential for rural regeneration in Spain but also serves as a testament to the resilience of communities and the enduring value of cultural and natural heritage

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the many individuals and organizations who have played a crucial role in the completion of this thesis. Without their support, guidance, and encouragement, this research would not have been possible. First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt thanks to my thesis advisor, Lise Schrøder, whose guidance, expertise, and patience have been invaluable throughout this journey. I would also like to acknowledge the contributions of the LIFE CAÑADAS project leaders for their valuable insights, constructive feedback, and dedication to fostering a stimulating academic environment. My deepest appreciation goes to the participants of this study, whose candid responses, time, and willingness

to share their knowledge have been instrumental. Your perspectives have enriched the depth of this research. A special thanks to the NGO ‘Plataforma por la Defensa de las Vias Pecuarias’ (Association for the safe-guarding of Livestock Trails), who have shared this work with key stakeholders. I am indebted to my family for their unwavering support, understanding, and encouragement during the ups and downs of this academic endeavor. Your belief in me has been a constant source of motivation. To everyone who has contributed, directly or indirectly, to this thesis, I offer my heartfelt thanks. Your support has been the cornerstone of this work’s completion.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

• Key Performance Indicators

Results

Territory & Transhumance

• Role Models Review

Problem Formulation

• Replicators Review

Knowledge and Perception Transhumant Heritage

Research Questions

Conceptual Framework

Benefits of Regenerative Tourism for Transhumant Heritage

Objectives

Challenges and opportunities Transhumant Heritage Tourism

Methodology

Research Design

Data Collection

Theory

ICOMOS 2022 Charter

Heritage-led Rural Regeneration Strategies: The EU RURITAGE project

• Overview

• The 6 Systematic Innovation Areas

• Community Management

Pre-Analysis

Livestock Trails and Transhumance in Spain: A historical review

Implications for the Local Community

Participation and Collaboration

Livestock Trails Planning Law

Spanish

Institutional support and Policy

Ecosystem Services of Livestock Trails and Transhumance

Discussion

Conclusion

Appendix

100

I: Informative Document

117

II: Survey

60 Based

Heritage

inside

Current Situation of Livestock Trails and Transhumance in Spain

Analysis

1. INTRODUCTION 2. METHODOLOGY

3. THEORY

4. PRE-ANALYSIS

5. ANALYSIS

6. RESULTS

7. DISCUSION

8. CONCLUSION

FIg. 01. A shepherd and his cattle in the mountains of Lois, Leon Province, , Castilla y León, Spain.

1.1 TERRITORY & TRANSHUMANCE: A CENTURIES OLD RELATIONSHIP AS A DRIVER FOR RURAL REGENERATION IN SPAIN Since pre-Roman times, the movement of cattle along the Iberian peninsula has shaped the Spanish Landscape resulting in a rich Cultural and Natural Heritage wich is today at the brink of disappearance. This heritage can be the driver for rural regeneration processes in Spain. If there is an idea, an element or entity that presents itself both as a stage and as a factor of the most effective responses to the new and complex challenges rural areas are facing today, it is the Territory. Until recently, rural development was based on isolated, unilateral projects carried out with a ‘top bottom’ approach (ENRD, 2018). Evidence has proven the failure of this approach as well as the need for an integrated, multi-faceted vision that has its roots in local development. This implies Territory and Local Actors being the center of attention.

Spain is one of the EU countries that has been more severely affected by rural decline, specially in terms of depopulation. It is estimated that more than 3000 villages lie abandoned in the Spanish landscape, resulting in a fragmented territory with low-density, disperse population centers and isolated natural spaces (INE, 2023). Territorial Cohesion is a concept that has been repeatedly included in EU development policies in recent years (MEDEIROS & CARAMELO, 2023). Across Spain, a decisive element in its territorial cohesion is the historical network of livestock trails, known as Vias Pecuarias (VVPP), which have

FIg. 02. Cattle and a Traditional Shepherds’ hut (Chozo) in Extremadura

been used for centuries by shepherds who transport their livestock from one region to another in search of better pasture lands. Transhumance is the practice of moving livestock from the winter pasture lands (invernaderos) located in the lowlands where winters are mild, to the summer pasture lands (agostaderos) located in the mountains, where the summers are less dry and pasture is healthier. The relation between Transhumance and VVPP is inseparable and together, they provide great benefits to the ecosystem (LIFECAÑADAS, 2018). The VVPP are not mere trails for cattle to cross, but they are strips of territory where livestock can graze and feed themselves along the way, almost as if they were longitudinal pasture lands. This condition makes them a vital green infrastructure that shelters a variety of wild species and connects habitats and spaces of high natural value (LIFECAÑADAS, 2018).

The total length of the VVPP in Spain sums up to 125.000km. The main Traditional Livestock Trails, known as Cañadas Reales, are the ‘natural highways’ used by transhumant shepherds. These can sometimes be up to 1000km long, connecting areas in the peninsula with great distance between each other. These main trails, protected since the XIII century by king Alfonso X ‘El Sabio’, still exist today, and alongside them, an extensive heritage, both tangible and intangible, related to the ancient practice of transhumance. The origin of the Tradition Livestock Trails can be traced to pre-historic times, when the great herbivores that inhabited the Iberian Peninsula travelled long distances in search of pasture lands. The Mediterranean climate, the Atlantic influence and orography forced the animals to move from different habitats throughout the seasons in search of food. Humans followed them to hunt, and later domesticated them, slowly developing Transhumance.

The landscapes present in the Iberian Peninsula are therefore a domestication of the original Mediterranean forests’ ecosystem. Transhumant cultures shaped them to optimize food production (meat, milk, wool, wood, fibers, firewood, etc...) in a sustainable way and compatible with a great wild biodiversity dependent on their care.

having been declared ‘Cultural and Natural European Itinerary’ and currently on the list to be declared UNESCO world heritage. This can be a standpoint for supporting sustainable development to the declining rural regions of Spain.

However, since the second half of the XIX century, shepherds began to transport their cattle by train and by the end of the XX century, Spain had shifted its livestock model towards intensification. Today, although the VVPP are protected under National law ‘Ley 3/1995 de 23 de Marzo de Vias Pecuarias’, a great percentage of these trails are no longer used for their main purpose, which translates into a loss of cultural heritage and a serious degradation of ecosystems in times of global climate change (ABEL, 2016).

The EU-Funded RURITAGE project, based on using Cultural and Natural Heritage (CNH) as a resource for rural regeneration through alternative and sustainable tourism, has provided numerous examples of successful processes of economic and social development in rurally declined regions. In contrast to traditional perspectives on heritage related to protection and preservation, CNH is being considered today as a resource for local communities to engage in regeneration practices that result in economic, social and environmental resilience, placing communities at the heart of the regeneration process.

This heritage is rich not only in natural values, but also in cultural ones,

The 2022 ICOMOS charter for Cultural Heritage Tourism sets state-of-

the-art guidelines on how communities can be empowered through the management of the Heritage around them.

Trails, but also, together with several NGOs and experts, are working onthe restoration of this valuable natural asset.

The physical characteristics of the Traditional Livestock Trails, being disperse accross the whole national territory as long strips of land connecting Spain’s most important natural regions, going through old and historic rural villages, make this infrastructure a potential key feature in achieving a cohesive rural environment, both naturally and socially.

Their history, as well as their natural significance make Traditional Livestock Trails and Transhumance highly valuable resources that are worth preserving and which can provide great opportunity for development.

This Thesis will depart from Spain’s Traditional Livestock Trails (CRs) and Transhumant Heritage in order to study their potential within Heritage-Led Rural regeneration strategies, exploring the possibilities of developping alternative, sustainable tourism strategies that emerge from a local level, placing the community at the heart of the regeneration process. Although few, there are still transhumant shepherds who are not only using Traditional Livestock

FIg. 03. A Map of Spain and the 12 main Cañadas Reales (Self-produced with data from IGN)

FIg. 04. Next Page. Spain’s rural decline in demographic and economic maps overlapped with the main Cañadas Reales. (Self-produced with data from IGN and MAPAMA)

1.2. PROBLEM FORMULATION Although Spain has perceived significant population growth in the past decade, 9 out of its 17 regions are losing population. The magnitude of the problem can be better appreciated at the municipal level (SGRD, 2022): • Out of the 8.131 municipalities in Spain, 6.232 lose population since 2010 (making 3 out of 4 municipalities). • Spain’s density of population is 93inhab/km2 (lower than EU average 120inhab/km2). However, there are 3.926 municipalities with a density lower than 12,5inhab/km2, threshold considered by the EU as demographic risk. • These low-density municipalities occupy 243.000km2, 48% of Spain’s territory. Half of Spanish territory is under demographic risk. On a social level, this population decline leads to economic challenges, decrease in access to services, a loss of cultural heritage, social exclusion and lonelines. On an environmental one, it leads to changes in the landscape as fields are abandoned, the loss of traditional land uses and agricultural practices impacts biodiversity. Changes in land management and reduced human presence disrupts habitats and lead to a decline in plant and animal species. The risk of forest fires increases as land is left unattended or becomes overgrown. Without regular maintenance and fire prevention measures, such as controlled burns, the accumulation of dry vegetation contributes to more severe and uncontrollable fires.

Although todays society is majorly urbanized, there is a growing demand for high quality natural experiences. This demand is usually combined with the search for valuable cultural experiences. Spanish Rural regions offer great possibilities in both terms of natural and cultural experiences, speaking today of ‘Rural Natural and Cultural Heritage’, which offers great opportunities for development, mainly related with tourism. However, there is a general concern on the effects tourism has on heritage and the communities around it. These concerns have pushed expert communities and higher institutions to support an alternative, sustainable and community-based tourism, that results in higher social, economic and environmental resilience. When managed responsibly, cultural, natural heritage tourism is able to bring development to isolated communities, empowering communities around their heritage while offering high quality experiences to visitors. Amongst the several heritage assets to explore across the Spanish territory, Traditional Livestock Trails (Cañadas Reales) together with Transhumant Heritage, hold great potential for regenerating isolated rural areas, not only because of their natural value but also for the folkore and traditions associated with them. This Thesis will study and highlight the aspects that make the Traditional livestock trails and transhumance a Heritage asset with high potential, searching for alternative and relevant development strategies that support the local communities around them. The attitutedes and perceptions of the relevant stakeholders also need to be gathered in order to ensure that such a process can be started from the bottom, with the support of the local community.

Rural Decline

Fragmented Habitats, Biodiversity Loss

Cultural & Natural Loss

1.3. RESEARCH QUESTIONS This way, this Thesis’ main Research Question and Sub-Questions result in the following:

Loss of traditional jobs, crafts and folklor

Heritage as a resource for sustainable rural development

Rural Traditions Crafts, Built Heritage

MQ. What is the potential of Transhumant Heritage and Traditional Livestock Trails for starting a Heritage-Led Rural Regeneration process in Spain? SubQ1. How can a Heritage-Led Rural Regeneration process, focused around Transhumant Heritage, be operated in accordance to current paradigms in Cultural-Natural Heritage Preservation and Restoration? SubQ2. What are the attitudes and perceptions of key stakeholders (e.g., farmers, landowners, policymakers, academics, local communities) within different rural Spanish regions towards Transhumant Heritage as a driver for Rural Regeneration?

Centuries old tradition Social Cohesion

Transhumant Heritage and Traditional Livestock Trails

SubQ1. How to manage responsibly the activation of Transhumant Heritage?

Alternative Strategies for Rural Heritage Tourism

Cultural & Environmental Preservation

FIg. 05. Problem Formulation leading to research questions (Self-produced)

Rural Natural Heritage cultural Landscapes

Ecological Corridors Territorial Cohesion

SubQ2. What are the attitudes and percepcions of relevant Stakeholders? Local Actors Bottom-Up Citizen Engagement Foster Ownership

MQ. WHAT IS THE POTENTIAL OF TRANSHUMANT HERITAGE FOR DRVING RURAL REGENERATION?

1.4. OBJECTIVES From the Problem formulation and Research Questions, three main objectives can be derived, which themselves conform several sub-objectives: O1. Highlight the potential of Traditional Livestock Trails (Cañadas Reales) in Spain as Cultural-Natural Heritage Tourism Itineraries that can activate Heritage-Led Rural Regeneration processes that focus around Transhumant Heritage. O1.1. Highlight their historical and cultural value. O1.2. Highlight their natural value. O1.3. Describe the physical and legal situation of the trails on a National level as well as the socio-economic context of Transhumant families today. O2. Put forward (explore) an operational mode in accordance to state-of-the-art theory and practice on Heritage-Led Rural Regeneration Strategies. O2.1. Review current paradigm on Cultural Heritage tourism O2.2. Review state-of-the-art examples of successful cases O2.3. Identify relevant lines of action that relate to the physical, legal, historical and natural features of the Cañadas Reales. O3. Identify relevant stakeholders that represent different contexts of Rural Spain and explore their attitudes and perceptions on such a scenario. O3.1. Ellaborate an informative document based on O.1 and O.2 to be presented to the relevant stakeholders who will be part of this Thesis. O3.2. Ellaborate a Survey aimed at gathering necessary insight from the relevant stakeholders.

1. INTRODUCTION

2. METHODOLOGY 3. THEORY

4. PRE-ANALYSIS

5. ANALYSIS

6. RESULTS

7. DISCUSION

8. CONCLUSION

2.1. RESEARCH DESIGN In order to study the potential of Traditional Livestock Trails and Transhumant Heritage for rural regeneration in Spain, an Embedded Multiple Case-study approach will be taken. This Thesis has started formulating the problem related with rural decline in Spain, advocating for an alternative and responsible use of Cultural and Natural Heritage Tourism as a driver for regenerating isolated rural areas. In this context, Spain’s Traditional Livestock Trails, the ‘Cañadas Reales’, together with Transhumant Heritage, are presented as potential assets to explore in terms of their capacity to start a rural regeneration process in Spain. As already briefly introduced, one of the most interesting features of the Traditiona Livestock Trails is the fact that they cover almost the entire Spanish Territory. This also means that there are numerous different actors involved around them. For this

reason, and following Robert Yin’s theory on research desing, the most appropriate way of researching this topic seems to be a Multiple embeded case study (YIN, 2004). The multiple embedded case study approach, as described by Robert Yin, involves studying a phenomenon across multiple real-life cases or contexts. It is a way of conducting case study research that allows for comparative analysis and the exploration of patterns, similarities, and differences among the cases (YIN, 2004). The main goal is to capture diversity and allow for comparative analysis. Although focusing on a given area could also provide with valuable in-

sights into a more specific case, this Thesis is studying a previous stage in which the aim is to evaluate the overall potential of Traditional Livestock Trails and Transhumance Heritage as a heritage assets that can bring development to rural areas of Spain. Gathering data from actors belonging to different regions of Spain and different groups, wether they are local farmers, politicians, NGOs or academics, can provide the general overview that is needed to study this subject. In order to achieve this, the following research structure has been designed: 1. Setting up an inital Theoretical Framework. An initial Theoretical Framework will be set in order to understand the concepts related to Heritage-led Rural regeneration projects. Firstly by reviewing internationally recognized standards for managing new sustainable cultural heritage tourism

and secondly, reviewing successful practices carried out by EU funded projects in the last decade. 2. Pre-analysis work. Once the theoretical concepts regarding Heritage-Led Rural Regeneration Projects are explained, it will be possible to examine Spain’s Traditional Livestock Routes and Transhumance, from their historical, cultural and natural value, to their current situation today. This will allow to carry out a more targeted analysis, searching for relevant stakeholders in the subject and being able to discuss possible strategies for a Heritage-Led Rural regeneration process based on Traditional Livestock Trails and Transhumance. 3. Case Study Analysis. At this point, it will be possible to move into the multiple-case study analysis. Following the data collection methods explained in the next subchaper (2.2. DATA COLLECTION), a col-

lection of inputs from different stakeholders will be gathered. Following the multiple case study approach, a selection of stakeholders belonging to different regions of Spain, as well as different fields of expertise, will be used for analysis. The pre-analysis work together with the theoretical framework will allow the data to be organized into different topics. Through comparative analysis, the insights provided by different stakeholder groups will allow to identify similarities, differences and unique insights. Finally, after presenting the results, these will be discussed and contrasted with personal contributions and literature content in order to reach the final conclusions.

INITIAL STAGE

Rural Decline in Spain Heritage as a Driverto lead Rural Regeneration Projects Traditional Livestock Trails (Cañadas Reales) as Natural & Culutral Heritage

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Current paradigm on Cultural Heritage Tourism Management Examples providing case study evidence on good practices

PRE-ANALYSIS

History of the Cañadas Reales and Transhumance Highlight Cultural & Natural Value Describe physical conditions of infrastructure Describe legal situation inside Spanish Planning System. Collection of lessons learnt & good practices from RURITAGE that can be applicable to the Cañadas Reales in a regeneration scenario

Objective 1

Objective 2 CASE STUDY ANALYSIS

RESULTS

DISCUSSION

Fig. 06. Research Design Diagram (Self-produced)

Present selected Case Studies (Context, participants/stakeholders) Ellaboration of Interviews & Surveys Carry out interviewing and surveying campaign

Present Survey Results Present relevant feedback from interviews

What are the attitudes of main stakeholders towards the Natural & Cultura value of the Cañadas reales and their potential for Heritage-Led Rural Regeneration process?

Objective 3 CONCLUSION

2.2. DATA COLLECTION

while the latter is an active platform of defense of Livestock Trails all over Spain.

In order to address the Thesis’ research questions, different data collection strategies and sources have been combined depending on the purpose. The main data collection methods employed in this Thesis have been: Literature Review, Content Analysis, Surveys and Interviews. Literature Review and Content Analysis. Literature review has been used to frame the research problem and the theoretical framework needed to proceed with the analysis. Online jounrals such as Google Scholar or ScienceDirect have been used to search for scientific papers. More specific documentation on the current state of Livestock Trails and National projects addressing them have also been consulted in official webpages from different Spanish Ministries.

On the other hand, content analysis refers to the examination of online content, wether it is part of an NGOs website or social media content on platforms such as Youtube or Instagram. These platforms have been very helpful for understanding and analysing the current situation of shepherds communities in different regions in Spain. The main NGOs which have been used in this Thesis for content analysis have been Trashumancia y Naturaleza (TRASHUMANCIA Y NATURALEZA, 2023) and Plataforma por la Defensa de las Vias Pecuarias (PLATAFORMA, 2023). The former is an NGO with more than two decades of activity defending and promoting transhumance in Spain,

Furthermore, it is worth highlighting the Youtube Channel of Eugenio Monesma (EUGENIO, 2023), which has provided very valuable insight into the life of the few transhumant shepherds that are still active in Spain. Other forms of social media, such as Podcasts, have also provided an understanding of the current situation of the Traditional Livestock Trails and the Shepherds who use them. For example, the works provided by Inland (INLAND, 2023), an art collective based in Madrid which works with rural areas and shepherds in nearby communities. Overall, this content has provided an up-to-date rich insight on the real-life problems that the Shepherd community is facing today.

Interviews and Surveys. During the Analysis part an initial series of non-structured interviews has been carried out in order to gather a first impression from a small number of actors. This provided a first insight into the topic and allowed the research to be opened up to new and more relevant actors in the subject. Secondly, a Surveying campaign was designed. This surveying campaign can be explained in three steps: 1. Sampling Strategy After gathering the data that conforms the Pre-Analysis of this Thesis (Chapter 4), a carefull selection of participants was made in order to gather relevant insights into the topic of Heritage-led Rural Regeneration based on Traditional Livestock Trails and Transhumance in Spain. The selected actors were grouped depending on the region they belonged and the type of activity they developed. The goal has been to reach as many

Fig. 07. Data Collection Methods Diagram (Self-produced)

actors as possible, keeping a certain criteria that will be described in the Analysis (Chapter 5). This technique is known as purposive sampling and it has allowed to gather information from the relevant figures regarding rural regeneration in Spain. 2. Data collection instruments The different actors that have participated in this Thesis have been first contacted via email. The main tools for carrying the interviews has been Microsoft Teams, which has allowed to transcribe the conversation for further analysis. Secondly, the survey was ellaborated and shared through Google Forms, an online tool that allows to easily create an online survey. 3. Data collection procedure Together with the online survey, a brief slide-presentation was shared with the participants in order to orientate and introduce them to the Thesis’ main hypothesis.

INITIAL STAGE

Scientific Journals Offical Spanish Ministry Websites

LITERATURE REVIEW CONTENT ANALYSIS

Social Media Platforms Youtube Instagram Podcasts Radio

Non-Structured (Initial Stages) Semi-Structured (Case Study work) Tool used: Microsoft Teams

INTERVIEWS

SURVEY

Purposive Sampling Strategy Preparation of documents for informing and orienting participants Tool used: Google forms

ANALYSIS

1. INTRODUCTION

2. METHODOLOGY

3. THEORY 4. PRE-ANALYSIS

5. ANALYSIS

6. RESULTS

7. DISCUSION

8. CONCLUSION

3.1. ICOMOS 2022 CHARTER: THE CALL FOR AN ALTERNATIVE CULTURAL-HERITAGE TOURISM MANAGEMENT Recent concerns about growth and disruption in global cultural heritage tourism has led experts to reinforce cultural heritage protection and community resilience through resposible tourism management. ICOMOS stands for the International Council on Monuments and Sites. It is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to the conservation, protection, and promotion of cultural heritage around the world. ICOMOS was founded in 1965 and operates under the principles of the World Heritage Convention, established by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). ICOMOS acts as the main advisory to UNESCO on matters related to cultural heritage sites and provides expertise and guidance on the preservation and management of historic sites, monuments, and landscapes. The organization brings to-

gether professionals and experts in various fields, including archeology, architecture, urban planning, history, and art conservation. Although one of the key functions of ICOMOS is to evaluate and provide recommendations on sites nominated for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List, this Thesis is most concerned with its role in the development of international charters, guidelines, and standards for heritage conservation. These documents provide a framework for best practices in preserving and safeguarding Cultural Heritage (CH), taking into account the unique characteristics of different types of sites and cultural contexts. Considering ICOMOS as the most relevant au-

thority regarding international heritage, their latest 2022 charter comprises state-of-the art guidelines for managing world heritage tourism. It is important to describe in general terms ICOMOS’ structure in order to understand how the 2022 charter is created and why it is relevant in an international level: • General Assembly: The General Assembly is the highest decision-making body of ICOMOS and is composed of all the members of the organization. It meets every three years to discuss and determine the policies, programs, and priorities of ICOMOS. During their meeting on 2022, the International Charter for Cultural Heritage Tourism (CHT) was ellaborated. • Executive Committee: The Executive Committee is responsible for the management and administration of ICOMOS between General Assembly meetings.

• Advisory Committees: ICOMOS has several Advisory Committees that focus on specific areas of expertise and knowledge related to cultural heritage conservation. These committees provide advice, research, and expertise on various aspects of heritage conservation. Some of the advisory committees include the International Scientific Committee on Archaeological Heritage Management (ICAHM), or the International Scientific Committee on Theory and Philosophy of Conservation and Restoration (ISCTPR). • National Committees: ICOMOS has National Committees in different countries around the world. These committees represent ICOMOS at the national level and serve as a platform for professionals and experts in cultural heritage conservation to collaborate, share knowledge, and carry out activities related to heritage preservation within their respective countries.

ICOMOS’ Charters provide guidance on managing and sustaining cultural heritage sites within the tourism context. In November 2022, the general assembly met in Bangkok, Thailand, where the new Charter was adopted. The 2022 Charter complements and updates the existing 1999 Charter. The Charter is aimed at all CHT stakeholders, from national to local governments, tour operators, bussiness owners, land-use planers, visitors and the civil society. It also applies to all activities related to CH management such as preservation, conservation or interpretation, as they are all connected within its public use. The reason for a new charter relates to the intensified tourism use of cultural heritage leading to its degradation. The growing economic wealth, connectivity and low-cost travelling have led to overtourism in areas that are rich in CH. This has resulted in an unsustainable use of CH, produc-

ing gentrification, commodification, compromising local communities and putting irreplaceable assets at risk. Furthermore, it has also resulted in unequitable benefit-share and restrictions in the right of use of CH for local people. These issues are agravated today due to the Climate Emergency and environmental degradation.

legal framework of CH, it also applies to the preservation of Heritage integrity and authenticity within the tangible and intangible aspects of it.

Social and Cultural Carrying Capacity. The degree to which communities can host visitors while providing quality visitor experience.

Revenue generated from CHT must be reinvested in heritage preservation, benefiting the local community. This should be managed in a transparent manner.

Economic Carrying Capacity. The degree to which tourism supports economic diversity.

The 2022 charter understands Heritage as a common resource, and it is a call for an alternative CHT management that is exaplained through 3 objectives that are developed in 7 principles which contain defintions and guidelines on how to pursue them (See Table 1).

In order to ensure CH protection and resilience of local communities, CHT mangement must include visitor management strategies relying on carrying capacity indicators. These should include as minimum:

This monitoring must use a participatory approach involving a broad representation of stakeholders and should be updated on a regular basis. 2. Promoting Stakeholder engagement and participatory governance.

1. Placing CH protection at the heart of any CHT project and policy.

Physical Carrying Capacity. The ability of a place to host visitors depending on its conservation status while providing appropriate visitor services.

Responsible CHT management includes citizen engagement in order to support social cohesion around heritage.

CH protection, tourism planning and Environmental Impact Assessments should work together across all levels of governance. Moreover, CH protection does not end in the

Ecological Carrying Capacity. The ability of the ecosystem and host communities to receive visitors while maintaining sustainability and heritage values.

It must offer opportunities for host communities to present their CH first hand. This way, the interconnections of tangible and intangible cultural values should be presented, in order

Fig. 08. World Heritage Site Machu Pichu, Cusco, Perú.

to enhance visitor experience. For this purpose, contemporary forms of education and knowledge-sharing should be considered, such as the use of social media or Augmented Reality tools. Responsible CHT must go further than stakeholder consultation and involve participatory governance and benefit share. Many communities have experienced tourist visitation on them without their ‘free, prior or informed consent’ (UN, 2018). CHT will continue to offer broad economic opportunities, however, benefits must be shared by the community in a transparent fashion. Furthermore, CHT management authorities must consider the importance of economic diversity for community resilience. Although CHT is an important global attraction, the conservation and protection efforts that it implies are not equally acknowl-

edged. Through cross-sectoral collaboration, the community must be engaged in learning and capacity development processes in order to engage and participate around CH. Tourists must not be considered passive observers, but important actors on the preservation of heritage. Heritage administrators must know about sustainable tourism, as well as tourism professionals must be trained on heritage protection and conservation. This should result in formal networks of communication, which allow for new perspectives and collaborative efforts. 3. Supporting the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals through climate action and resilience. To address the challenges and disruptions faced by tourism due to global issues and risks, it is essential to strengthen the ability of communities to adapt and withstand future changes related to climate change, biodiversity loss among others..

Fig. 09. Intangible Heritage, Yogyakarta, Indonesia (Online)

Strategic planning and adaptive management of cultural tourism should incorporate heritage impact assessments (HIAs), environmental impact assessments (EIAs), disaster risk management, and other relevant risk assessments. The climate crisis poses a significant threat to cultural and natural heritage, as well as the well-being of people worldwide, particularly those in tourism-dependent communities. Actions to mitigate and manage the impacts of climate change include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, generating sustainable benefits for communities, and enforcing regulations and policies. Climate action in tourism should align with international targets, addressing carbon reduction, waste management, energy and water conservation, and green infrastructure.

tional knowledge and practices, increasing awareness about climate change’s consequences, and utilizing innovative technologies are essential. Transformative and regenerative approaches to cultural tourism are necessary to build resilient and adaptive communities and preserve heritage sites in the face of climate change (ICOMOS, 2022).

Supporting heritage conservation, biodiversity, and ecosystems should be a priority in tourism planning and management. Incorporating tradi-

ICOMOS 2022 CHARTER Objectives 1. Placing CH protection at the heart of any CHT project and policy.

2. Promoting Stakeholder engagement and participatory governance.

Principles

Guidelines

1. Place cultural heritage protection and conservation at the centre of responsible cultural tourism planning and management 2. Manage tourism at cultural heritage places through management plans informed by monitoring, carrying capacity and other planning instruments

• • •

3. Enhance public awareness and visitor experience through sensitive interpretation and presentation of cultural heritage

•

4. Recognize and reinforce the rights of communities, Indigenous Peoples and traditional owners by including access and engagement in participatory governance of the cultural and natural heritage commons used in tourism

•

• • • •

3. Supporting the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals through climate action and resilience.

5. Raise awareness and reinforce cooperation for cultural heritage conservation among all stakeholders involved in tourism

•

6. Increase the resilience of communities and cultural heritage through capacity development, risk assessment, strategic planning and adaptive management

•

7. Integrate climate action and sustainability measures in the management of cultural tourism and cultural heritage

•

• • •

CH protection, tourism planning and Environmental Impact Assessments should work together across all levels of governance Revenue generated from CHT must be reinvested in heritage preservation, benefiting the local community. CHT mangement must include visitor management strategies relying on carrying capacity indicators (physical, ecological, social and economic). Responsible tourism and cultural heritage management should provide accurate and respectful interpretation, presentation, dissemination, and communication. Host communities should be given opportunities to present their cultural heritage firsthand. Communication at destinations and heritage places should address conservation and community rights, making visitors and tourism operators aware of their responsibility to be respectful and responsible. Indigenous peoples, traditional owners, and host communities have the right to express their views on heritage and manage it according to their established practices and meanings. Community engagement in tourism development should be facilitated, ensuring equitable sharing of tourism benefits and fair employment opportunities Incentives can be used to encourage desired behaviors and outcomes. Tourism planning and management should incorporate awareness and understanding of long-term protection and conservation needs of heritage places. Collaboration, learning, and capacity development across sectors are necessary to increase engagement and participation in cultural heritage and tourism planning. Tourists and visitors should be seen as active participants who have a responsibility to behave respectfully and contribute to heritage protection and local sustainability. Traditional knowledge should be integrated into innovative and adaptive strategies for resilience and adaptation. Heritage managers must possess the necessary knowledge, capacity, and tools to effectively prepare for and respond to evolving challenges and changing contexts. Prioritizing heritage conservation, biodiversity, and natural ecosystems is crucial in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of tourism and visitor management strategies. Adaptive reuse and retrofitting of built and vernacular heritage can contribute to climate adaptation and provide a more authentic visitor experience.

Table. 01. Summary table of the ICOMOS 2022 Charter (Self produced using data from official Charter).

3.2. HERITAGE-LED RURAL REGENERATION STRATEGIES: THE EU RURITAGE PROJECT This chapter will provide an overview of the EU funded RURITAGE project, focusing on the topics that are most relevant to the subject of this thesis. Rural areas cover a significant portion of the EU territory and for the past decades, they have been facing serious economic, social and environmnetal challenges. The integration of Cultural and Natural Heritage into policy and planning is being regarded as a way to address these challenges and promote sustainable regeneration (DÜMCKE & GNEDOVSKY, 2013). The Faro Convention’s definition of Cultural Heritage includes tangible and intangible assets, while also recognizing the importance of natural heritage (EU, 2005). The concept of heritage has evolved from a conservative approach to a value-oriented one, emphasizing the interaction between people

and place over time. This shift in perspective opens up new opportunities for Cultural-Natural Heritage (CNH) in linking society, economy, politics, and ecology, particularly in rural areas. CNH is considered a key driver for sustainable growth and regeneration in rural territories, challenging the notion that heritage preservation and sustainable development are mutually exclusive (DUCROS, 2017). However, cultural heritage has been primarily associated with tourism in rural areas, which in several occasions has exacerbated existing problems (ZUBIAGA et al, 2019). There is a need to go beyond tourism and explore the potential of locally owned CNH resources.

Local communities play a crucial role in interpreting, valuing, and managing CNH, with their engagement seen as essential for sustainable rural regeneration. Participatory planning processes involving local communities are necessary to unlock the value and potential of rural heritage and promote inclusive and sustainable growth (EU, 2005). However, participatory processes in rural regions have proven to be a great challenge (JOHANSEN, 2015). 3.2.1. OVERVIEW The RURITAGE project, launched in June 2018 and ended in May 2022, was an initative with a funding of 10million euros by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and Innovation program. The projects’ consortium consisted of 38 partners coming from 17 EU countries and one south American country (Colombia). These partners can be grouped in 3 classes (RURITAGE, 2022):

• 13 Role Models (RMs): Projects across rural areas of Europe and beyond that had succeeded in their heritage-led-community-based regeneration strategies. • 6 Replicators (Rs): Local communities in different European rural regions who were undergoing their own heritage-led rural regeneration strategies and were in need of support. • 15 Knowledge Facilitator Partners (KFPs): Together with the RMs, these partners assisted the Replicators in their rural regeneration strategies with capacity building and knowledge-sharing. The main focus of the RURITAGE project is CNH as a driver for sustainable rual development. The aim of the project was to sustainably enhance local heritage for regional and community development with the help of the Systematic Innovation Areas (SIAs) framework: a tool to identify unique heritage poten-

Fig. 10. Rural Village in Teruel, Spain.

tial within rural communities (RURITAGE, 2022). The six SIAs are: Pilgrimage, Resilience, Sustainable Local Food Production, Integrated Landscape Management, Migration and Art and Festivals. These are different innovation fields that can be used to define development strategies. SIAs work together and they contribute to sustainable growth of rural areas and communities, which means that, even though a community might choose to develop their area by SIA Pilgrimage, this will inevitably be linked to other relevant SIAs. The main objective of the RURITAGE project is to transfer knowledge from the Role Models (RMs) to the Replicators (Rs). For this purpose, the RMs were analyzed in search of addressed challenges, key resources to promote rural regeneration and the degree of replicability of the actions undertaken. Secondly, for the transfer of knowledge, a participatory approach was taken, ensuring community engagement and ownership.

Knowledge transfer from RM to R was performed through the Rural Heritage Hubs (RHH). These hubs consist of a community of local stakeholders and a physical space where collaborative activities occur. The RMs, who have experience in heritage-led regeneration, share their knowledge and skills with the Rs through a participatory planning process. This process allows the strategies developed by the Role Models to be customized and adapted to the specific needs and challenges faced by the Rs. The Rural Heritage Hubs still serve today as ongoing living labs where local stakeholders and residents work together to create new heritage-led regeneration strategies for their respective territories (RURITAGE, 2022). Finally, the RURITAGE project utilized Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure and evaluate the performance and progress of its activities and outcomes. These KPIs serve as measurable indicators that provide insights into the project’s effective-

Fig. 11. Illustration of the Sistematic Innovation Areas

ness and impact. The project first sets a ‘baseline’ which indicates the starting point of each project, secondly, it makes use of KPIs to obtain insight on the improvements made by the realized actions. Therefore, KPIs are not only used to monitor, but also to provide an initial diagnosis of the area to regenerate, indicating the main needs and opportunities that the regeneration process should address. The RURITAGE project offers a great amount of valuable material in the context of rural regeneration strategies. A complete explanation of all the experiences gathered in the project does not lie within the scope

of this Thesis, therefore, this chapter will examine the results that RURITAGE obtained within SIA 1: Pilgrimage Routes, as it is the most related to this Thesis’ topic. However, to better understand the RURITAGE projects’ methodology and its contribution to this Thesis, the following topics will be discussed in further detail: The 6 Systematic Innovation areas and the Community Capitals Framework, the Rural Heritage Hubs and Community-Based Heritage Management and Planning, and finally the Key Performance Indicators.

3.2.2. THE 6 SYSTEMATIC INNOVATION AREAS AND THE COMMUNITY CAPITALS FRAMEWORK. RURITAGE started by analyzing 20 successful cases of rural regeneration in different regions of the world (mainly from the EU), searching for key factors that would offer alternative ways to capitalise on the cultural and natural capital of rural areas that are not limited to cultural tourism effectivenes (EGUSQUIZA et al, 2021). For this purpose, the Community Capitals Framework (CCF) and the SIAs were used to identify initial resources, patterns and outcomes.

The Community Capitals Framework (CCF) is a concept used to understand and evaluate the different resources and assets that make a community strong and sustainable. It provides a way to analyze the overall well-being and potential of a community (FLORA, 2008). The CCF was reinterpreted by RURITAGE into six capitals (EGUSQUIZA et al, 2021): • Cultural Capital: Intangible Heritage and rural traditions. • Natural Capital: Biodiversity and lanscape.

• Built Capital: Historic built heritage. • Social Capital: The capacity and willingness of the community to build networks and consider alternative ways of reaching goals. Community resilience is a key aspect and is built through participatory processes. • Human Capital: In RURITAGE, it refers to particular skills coming from rural traditions. It is improved by training and educating the population on specific topics. It is crucial here to build local capacity related to jobs and income diversification. • Financial Capital: Needed to achieve the growth of the other capitals, supporting entrepeneurship and future community development. The idea behind the Sistematic Innovations Areas is to build upon the mentioned capitals, in an alternative

way to traditional tourism-led strategies. The 6 SIAs are the following: 1. Pilgrimage: Pilgrimage, religious journeys, and hiking routes offer sustainable and slow tourism options that can contribute to economic growth globally. Routes associated with heritage provide an opportunity to develop lesser-known areas with valuable cultural and natural assets, attracting visitors from outside. 2. Sustainable Food Production: Showcasing rural localities through their food, wine, and gastronomy has become a popular approach to enhancing the economic and environmental sustainability of both tourism and agriculture. This involves developing “alternative” food networks and creating renewed interest in traditional and local food products, which represent the unique character and culture of the destination.

3. Migration: Besides the challenges posed by the migration crisis, the arrival of migrants can also present opportunities for repopulation, growth, and rural regeneration. Cultural and natural heritage, including local traditions, languages, arts, and crafts, can play a crucial role in facilitating integration and regeneration. Emphasizing the positive contributions of migrants to rural development is essential for fostering an inclusive society. 4. Art and Festivals: Festivals and arts exhibitions serve as means to attract tourists and stimulate economic activity in rural areas. Festivals celebrating local traditions and products, open-air arts exhibitions, and landscape museums contribute significantly to tourism and job creation. Additionally, art projects involving youth can promote social connections, self-esteem, and community knowledge, encouraging youth entrepreneurship and a vibrant creative econo-

my that appeals to young people. 5. Resilience: Resilience refers to the ability of human settlements to withstand and recover from external shocks. It involves reducing risks and damages from disasters and swiftly returning to a stable state. By leveraging Cultural and Natural Heritage, rural communities can enhance resilience against climate change and disasters. This approach involves risk assessment, protecting against losses, while simultaneously promoting economic growth, job creation, access to health and education, and fostering responsible ownership of heritage in rural areas. 6. Integrated Landscape Management: The European Landscape Convention encourages public participation in landscape protection, conservation, and planning. Successful examples of participatory landscape management, incorporating heritage, have shown

CONCEPTUALISATION OF THE SIA THROUGH CAPITALS SIA

Pilgrimage

DESCRIPTION

Sustainable and economic growth through heritage routes to sacred and historical places

CAPITALS

INITIAL

REQUIRED

Cultural

Heritage

Broad dissemination of the CH

Natural

Landscape

Broad dissemination of the NH

Build

Disperse building CH

Tourism/Transport infrastructure

Improvement of built CH

Human

Capacity building

Better jobs

Social

Cross-Region governance

Networking governance Jobs and business opportunities through tourism

Financial

Sustainable local Food Production

Improvement of the economic and environmental sustainability of both tourism and agriculture using food, wine and gastronomy symbolising the place and culture of the destination

Cultural

Gastronomy

Broad dissemination of the CH (gastronomy)

Natural

Local products

Sustainable agriculture

Build

Hostelry infrastructure

Human

Capacity building

Social

Collaboration

Financial

Integrated Landscape Management

Rural renaissance through participatory landscape management integrated in regional and Smart Specialization strategies

OBTAINED

Better jobs

Jobs through services and industry

Cultural

Cultural Landscape

CH conservation

Natural

Natural Landscape

NH conservation

Build

Knowledge Building

Human

Training

Better jobs

Social

Collaboration between stakeholders

Networking governance

Financial

Table 02. Relation between SIAs and Capitals (Self produced using data from official Charter). *The figure is only showing the three SIAs that are most relevant to this Thesis

Business and jobs opportunities through tourism

Fig. 12. Hikers in the Karavanke GeoPark

to be catalysts for rural revitalization. Integrating heritage into regional and Smart Specialisation strategies can effectively contribute to the resurgence of rural areas. This Thesis will focus mainly on the SIA1 Pilgrimage. However, the rest of the SIAs will be inevitably be involved. The SIA1 Pilgrimage in the context of extensive traditional Livestock will be closely linked to SIA2 Sustainable Food Production and SIA6 Integrated Landscape Managemet. Therefore, it is important to have a general overview of all the SIAs. This paradigm is the base from which RURITAGE has developed the methodology for Community-Based Heritage Management and Planning

3.2.3. COMMUNITY-BASED HERITAGE MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING: THE RURAL HERITAGE HUBS. Community-Based Heritage Management and Planning (CHMP) operates on the belief that rural communities and individuals involved in them conform a diverse range of actors and citizens who should be actively engaged in the creation of local regeneration strategies. The methodology offers a practical framework for collaboratively designing heritage-led regeneration plans in rural areas, supported by a strong theoretical basis (DE LUCA et al, 2021). To do so, CHMP depends largely in the so called Rural Heritage Hubs (RHH). RHHs serve as social spaces or communities of stakeholders at the local level, physically located in specific areas where knowledge sharing and transfer occur. The CHMP activites can be grouped into four pillars:

Fig. 13. RURITANIA, an engagement workshop developed by RURITAGE

1. Definition and appointment of a Rural Heritage Hub Coordinator. In the early stages of a participatory regeneration process communities are particularly fragile and the main issue is to build trust among stakeholders (MENZEL, 2013). For this reason, it is crucial to properly select a ‘RHH Coordinator’ which the community already trusts. Their role is to build trust around the process, and for this purpose they do not act alone, but supported by relevant partners in the process (public administrations, NGOs, Local Action Groups). Considering the particular characteristics of rural areas, it is important to involve ‘Local Leaders’ such as school teachers, priests, farmers, doctors among others, who can create trust around the processes that the RHH may start. 2. Identification of the physical space for the Rural Heritage Hub.

Place attachement plays a significant role in rural regeneration process as it fosters sense of belonging and ownership (MANZO et al, 2006). Ideally, RHH should apply a reuse logic and be placed in existing buildings that need some renovation. Furthermore, it is highly recommendable that the RHH acquires a multifunctional character, enabling other uses that serve the community i.e. handcraft workshop, café, second hand market, library with internet access etc.. A community-based management of such a space will strengthen ties within the community and ensure the long-lasting use of the RHH (BRANDT & VEJRE, 2004). 3. Community mobilization and engagement. The CHMP methodology focuses on involving a wide range of stakeholders in project activities to ensure diverse perspectives and inclusivity. The methodology for stakeholder identification and engagement in the RURITAGE project is based on

previous EU-funded projects and the “I-CEE” methodology, and consists of four stages: Identifying, Connecting, Engaging, and Enabling (DURHAM, 2014). During the Identifying stage, a typology of stakeholders is developed to determine which groups should be engaged and how to do so effectively (i.e. policymakers, local communities, civil society organizations, educational institutions, research institutes, and industry representatives). The Connecting stage aims to establish strong connections with stakeholders by increasing their awareness of the project’s goals, methods, and timelines. The Engaging stage focuses on maintaining stakeholder interest within the RHHs to support the collaborative development, implementation, and monitoring of heritage-led regeneration plans. The Enabling stage involves creative communication and dissemination strategies to maximize the adoption and implementation of the co-developed heritage-led regeneration plans. Additionally, the RURITAGE methodology includes

the development of a stakeholder database, both at the organizational and individual level, to analyze stakeholder engagement characteristics and needs in rural areas before and during RHHs’ activities based on their relevance and interest in SIAs (DE LUCA et al, 2021). 4. The activities to co-develop heritage based-rural regeneration strategies. Once the RHH is set and the Stakeholders engaged, RURITAGE developed a series of Workshops and activities based on past EU projects and new ideas, aimed at starting the process of co-development. A detailed overview of these activites does not lie within the scope of this Thesis, however, they can be consulted in pg6 of DE LUCA et al, 2021. The CHMP methodology has proven to be an effective tool for attracting and maintaining community engagement in the local RHHs. This success is closely related to specific

features like the location of the RHH, the physical characteristics of the place as well as several steps in the stakeholder engagement process (DE LUCA et al, 2021). The experiences from the RURITAGE project offer a wide collection of good practices that can be applied to further rural regeneration processes. However, it is also stated by RURITAGE that success depends greatly on organic procedures, meaning that each place has its own peculiarities from which the regeneration process will thrive.

3.2.4. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS. The Key Performance Indicators were developed by RURITAGE and other experts to measure the impact of Heritage-Led Rural Regeneration Strategies, as well as developing an initial diagnosis of the Rs’ potential for regeneration. The impact of the actions taken is measured in terms of increment in assets across the capitals. The KPIs are also the starting point for setting the baseline of a project, this is, the inital conditions for starting a Heritage Led Rural Regeneration process. They are used to evaluate how the initial capitals of a certain community are put into use during the regeneration process. Following the order in which the Capitals have been presented, their corresponding KPIs are presented:

Cultural Capital KPIs

Natural Capital KPIs

Converting cultural capital into social, human, and financial capital is tied to creative and cultural activities, tourism, local production, citizenship cohesion and inclusion. If properly managed, it can contribute to foster employment, economic growth and a sustainable development that preserves and promotes cultural values and traditions within the community (BARRIENTOS et al, 2022).

Natural capital is closely linked to well-being and plays a crucial role in providing ecosystem services* like food, water, landscape, and parks, which are essential for human health. Healthy and resilient ecosystems offer a wide range of economically valuable goods and services. Achieving sustainable growth is connected to regional attractiveness, quality of life, and tourism (BARRIENTOS et al, 2022).

CATEGORIES

KPI

IMPACT

Stocks of cultural capital

CC01. Number of enterprises in the cultural sector

Economic impact/ growth

Increase awareness and ownership of cultural heritage, sense of identity

Valorisation of local traditional skills Enlarge the tourism offer and attract different target groups

CC02. Increment in number of mentions of CNH in social media, media, press, etc.

Social impact/inclusion

CC03. Number of users registered in the digital hub or following the social networks (facebook, twitter…)

Social impact/inclusion

CC04. Number of posts in the digital hub

Social impact/inclusion

CC05. Number of posts mentioning RURITAGE at local level

Social impact/inclusion

CC06. Number of actions and cultural events produced by citizens at local level

Social impact/inclusion

CC07. Number of crowdfunding campaigns launched

Social impact/inclusion

CC08. Number of people trained in traditional skills

Economic Impact/ Growth

CC09. Number of places involved in the tourism offer

Economic Impact/ Growth

CC10. Distribution of the arrivals along the year (% per month)

Economic Impact/ Growth

CATEGORIES

Stocks of natural Capital

Promote local business for sustainable food production

Strengthening the tourism sector

KPI

IMPACT

NC01. Value of ecosystem services

Environmental Impacts/balance

NC02. Number and area of designations

Environmental Impacts/balance

NC03. Emission of greenhouse gasses

Climate impacts

NC04. Share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption

Environmental Impacts/balance

NC05. Number of companies and organizations with sustainability certifications and labeling

Environmental Impacts/balance

NC06. Number of shops, restaurants and tourism facilities selling local products

Environmental Impacts/balance

NC07. Number of “green tourism packages”

Economic Impact/ growth

Table. 03. Natural Capitals KPIs (Self produced using data from RURITAGE).

Table. 02. (Right) Cultural Capitals KPIs (Self produced using data from RURITAGE). * Ecosystem services are explained in 3.1.3. 29

Built Capital KPIs

Social Capital KPIs

Managing built capital faces challenges from environmental and societal factors, requiring a balance between heritage preservation and generating benefits for society. Instead of viewing heritage as fixed in the past, built capital should adapt to present and future societal needs, thriving through valorization and revitalization processes (BARRIENTOS et al, 2022).

The local social capital is determined by the level of inclusion and the quality of relationships within the community. The transition from social capital to human capital can be facilitated by encouraging social cooperation, which fosters creativity and the appreciation of cultural skills, thereby generating new financial opportunities too (BARRIENTOS et al, 2022).

CATEGORIES

Stocks of built/ infrastructure capital

Increase the visibility of the area and the related products

KPI

IMPACT

BCO1. Number of hotspots provided

Technological Impacts

BCO2. Number of people reached through RURITAGE digital tools

Technological Impacts

BCO3. Number of CNH objects mapped through ATLAS

Technological Impacts

BCO4. Number of Beds

Economic impact/ growth

BCO5. Number of Restaurants

Economic impact/ growth

BCO6. Cycle Paths

Environmental Impacts/balance

BCO7. Pedestrian/hiking paths

Environmental Impacts/balance

BCO8. Share of people served by public transport

Environmental Impacts/balance

BCO9. Number of buildings restored / retrofited

Economic impact/ growth

BC10. Number of sites or km of routes provided with signals and explanation panels to help describing the sites and orienteering visitors

Economic impact/ growth

BC11. Number of fairs and tourism events per year related to the promotion of the area and related products

Economic impact/ growth

CATEGORIES

Stocks of social capital

KPI

IMPACT

SC01. Number of citizens engagement activities and participants

Social Impact/Inclusion

SC02. Number per type of stakeholder involved

Social Impact/Inclusion

SC03. Number of local associations involved

Social Impact/Inclusion

SC04. Number of participants in formal or informal voluntary activities or active citizenship in the last 12 months

Social Impact/Inclusion

SC05. Number of projects addressing people with disabilities (n. of projects, and n- of people involved)

Social Impact/Inclusion

SC06. Number of disadvantaged people engaged (elderly, migrants, unemployed).

Social Impact/Inclusion

Table. 07. Social Capitals KPIs (Self produced using data from RURITAGE).

Table.06. Built Capitals KPIs (Self produced using data from RURITAGE).

Table.08. Human Capitals KPIs (Self produced using data from RURITAGE).

Table. 09. Financial Capitals KPIs (Self produced using data from RURITAGE).

Human Capital KPIs

Financial Capital KPIs

This set of KPIs measures how the citizens’ skills can develop their resources, as well as their ability to access outer bodies of knowledge in order to enhance their potential (BARRIENTOS et al, 2022).

The transition from a focus on financial capital to a greater emphasis on social and human capitals is facilitated by leveraging synergies with sectors connected to culture and innovation, such as tourism, information and communication technologies, and local production (BARRIENTOS et al, 2022).

CATEGORIES

Stocks of human capital

Foster innovation in local business and start-ups (organizational, process and products innovation, etc..) Set-up and growth of companies Improvement of IT skills Improve the CNH management system of the local authorities (guidelines, training, etc..)

KPI

IMPACT

HC01. Level of Education

KPI

IMPACT

social impact/inclusion

FC01. Nights spent at tourist accommodation establishments

Economic Impact/ growth

HC02. Number of recreational facilities/events

social impact/inclusion

FC02. Year revenues per sector/municipality (in specific SIA)

Economic Impact/ growth

HC03. Number of self-employees

Economic Impact/ growth

FC03. Number of PPPs set and signed

social impact/inclusion

FC04. Unemployment rate (%)

social impact/inclusion

FC05. Number of start-ups and spinoff created / Birth of enterprises

Economic Impact/ growth

FC06. Number of companies supported in defining new business models and innovative processes of production

Economic Impact/ growth

HC04. Number of interniship for students

CATEGORIES

Stocks of financial capital

social impact/inclusion

HC05. Number of people trained in IT and tourism (in specific SIA)

Technological Impacts

HC06. Number of people involved in professional management training course ( summer school and master

Organizational Impacts

HC07. Number of publication as recommendation and guidelines provided

Organizational Impacts

Foster Innovation in local business and start-ups (organizational, process and products innovation, etc..)

To better understand all the concepts explained within the RURITAGE project, it is time to review what a Role Model is, and how the knowledge obtained from it was transferred to a Replicator.

Fig. 14. Pilgrims along the way of St. James, Spain.

3.2.5. ROLE MODELS REVIEW The first task within the RURITAGE project was to analyze successful heritage-led rural regeneration practices in order to make them available and easily transferrable for the Rs. The success of the RMs’ rural regeneration strategies could be demonstrated in an increase of jobs, sustainable tourism, mental well-being, ICT development, improved quality of life for rural residents by an alternative exploitation of natural, tangible and intangble heritage and an increased social cohesion. In relation to the main scope of this Thesis, a RM belonging to the Pilgrimage SIA will be described: The way of Saint James, in Northern Spain (EGUSQUIZA et. al, 2019).

gions of Aragon, Navarra, La Rioja, Castilla y Leon, and Galicia. Castilla y Leon has over half of Spain’s historical heritage, including architecture, art, and cultural sites, and it is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, with the Way of Saint James being one of them. While these cities have a population of 150,000 inhabitants combined, the route also passes through many small rural towns with a significant historical background but few and aging residents. The presence of pilgrims along the Santiago Way offers these towns the main opportunity for economic activity and prosperity. Some of these towns have witnessed new initiatives, economic and demographic revitalization, thanks to the presence of pilgrims.

WAY OF ST. JAMES The French Way (Iter Sancti Iacobi) is the most important and well-known pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. The route spans nearly 1,000 km across the Spanish re-

The main economic activites in this regions is Service (60%) followed by industry (20%), mainly agriculture (7%). Its main challenges are related to:

Table. 10. Developed capitals St.James Way (Self produced using data from RURITAGE).

the ageing of population, over 25% of the population in Castilla y Leon is over 64 years old; depopulation, the region is losing population due to migration, ageing and natality decrease; poverty, the poverty rate in Castilla y Leon was 15,4% in 2018, while Spain was 7%. Process and Timeline: The ‘Camino de Santiago’ was declared a Historical Ensemble on 1962, however, the most important moments in the process date to the first part of the 1990s, when the was was declared UNESCO World Heritage and the Spanish administrations developed specific plans for the Camino, creating a public society to manage this resource. In 1992 the Camino was promoted at an international level on great cultural, sporting and publicity events. Further declarations of Cultural Interest Site (Bien de Interes Cultural) folllowed in the early 2000s, as well as several plans for regional and national protection that are still active today.

Drivers, Barriers and Key Resources:

Capitals and Knowledge Building

The drivers for this project were mainly Tourism, Cultural Heritage Preservation and Innovation in Culture and Heritage. However, there were several barriers encountered since the beginning: Bad state of conservation of buildings and routes; Depopulation; Lack of Legislation; Lack of Proper Infrastructure; Lack of coordination among institutions; Lack of shared vision, misalignement of objectives among stakeholders (levels of administration, private sector, civil society); Lack of a clear definition of the private sector’s role. The key resources to work with were: Disperse Cultural Heritage; Relgious spirit; Strong identity; Natural Landscape; Traditions; Historic Pilgrimage Route; Cross-regional governance (EGUSQUIZA et. al, 2019).

The following table offers a picture of the inital capitals encountered, their development and the results obtained (EGUSQUIZA et. al, 2019):

The RURITAGE team analyzed the success of this project in terms of the capitals obtained and the lessons that could be learned for future Pilgrimiage projects.

CAPITAL

INITIAL

DEVELOPED

OBTAINED

Cultural

UNESCO world Heritage site, Historic Pilgrimage Route

National & International Recognition

Better promotion of cultural Resources

Natural

Natural Resources, Lanscape

Protection

Integrated Natural and Cultural Values

Build

High Number of Historic/Religious Buildings

Infrastructure Improved and Buildings restored

Better Safeguarding of built heritage

Human

Capacity Building, increase in pilgrims and social infrastructure

Job Improvement

Social

Increased number of associations and society to manage and promote the way

Numerous initiatives of civil associations, cohesion from values, revilalization

Increase in Investment

Official Support, Promotion, Business Creation, Increase in Number of Pilgrims

Financial

Table. 10. Best practices from Way of St James RM (Self produced using data from RURITAGE).

Repository of Good Practices The following Best Practices were gathered as the most decisive in such a context, with the purpose of replicating them in future scenarios where a rural regeneration project through pilgrimage can potentially take place (EGUSQUIZA et. al, 2019).

CAPITAL

BEST PRACTICES

Social

Promote a governance model with the involvement of public and private bodies

Built

Develop Heritage innovation as Monitoring Heritage System

Social

Form a tourism body with the specific charter for developing these resources and attracting tourism (see Spanish Federation of Associations of Friends of the Camino de Santiago)

Built

Promote the restoration of old or unused buildings to offer them as temples, shelters, hotels, restaurants and shops for pilgrims.

Cultural

Study and research the historic traces of the pilgrimage routes and the traditions related to them (in literature,historic maps, art, etc.)

Cultural

Digitalization of the pilgrimage - through websites, GIS maps, apps

Human

Foster training and employment: schools’ workshop and internships

Fig. 15. Map of the different routes on the Way of St. James

Fig. 16. Karavanken Geopark, Austria.

2.2.6. REPLICATORS REVIEW Once the RURITAGE project analyzed the RMs and gathered an inventory of good practices, these were applied to the relevant Rs. This subchapter will describe the experience and results obtained within the Replicator representing SIA 1 Pilgrimage. In order to measure the impact of the regeneration process, a baseline was defined as an initial diagnosis of the area to regenerate and 3 years later, the improvement of capitals and KPI values was analyzed (BARRIENTOS et al, 2022). OLD TRADITIONS AND MODERN WORLD ALONG THE PILGRIMAGE ROUTE TO HEMMABERG Context Karavanke/Karawanken UNESCO Global Geopark is a cross-border geopark covering 14 municipalities, with 9 on the Austrian side and 5 on the Slovenian side. The geopark area spans 1067 km2 and has a

total population of approximately 53,000 people. The baseline provided by RURITAGE focuses specifically on the Municipality of Globasnitz/ Globasnica, as it is home to the main pilgrimage site - St. Hema mountain (BARRIENTOS et al, 2022). The Municipality of Globasnitz/ Globasnica is a bilingual village in the Völkermarkt district of Carinthia, Austria. A significant percentage (42.1%) of the population consists of Carinthian Slovenes, and Slovene is recognized as the second official language of the municipality 1 step is to identify challenges and potentials Challenges and Potentials The challenges in this region are mainly associated to ageing of the population, depopulation and unempolyment, being one of the most scarcely populated areas in Austria. The main potential to explore within the RURITAGE project was the

Fig. 17. Karavanken Trail

pilgrimage route to Hemmaberg, a very important religious site in the region. During the Migration Period around 400 AD, the Roman and Celtic population settled on Hemmaberg/St. Hema Mountain for safety. Around 510 AD, a double church was constructed by Catholic Romans, and later, another double church was built by the Arian Christians (Ostrogoths). Hemmaberg became an important pilgrimage site over time. The geopark aimed to utilize the pilgrimage heritage as a powerful tool for economic and sustainable development, improving the well-being and living environment of the local community. Further potential in the region lies within rural food production, which focuses on cross-border cuisine and traditional mountain foods. The region is known for products such as Jauntaler Had´n (buckwheat), Jauntaler salami, and Sittersdorfer wine. Buckwheat is a high-quality,

gluten-free grain that is also considered a medicinal plant, known for its nutritional value and energizing properties. The geopark aimed to enhance the economic and environmental sustainability of both tourism and agriculture in the area. Application of good practices from RMs A total of 44 good practices were applied to this project, from which the following can be explained: • Integration of vulnerable groups in the local value chain can help mitigate unemployment challenges. • Promotion of access to cultural resources for all ages and abilities can contribute to addressing depopulation challenges. • Involving private and third sectors in cultural heritage can optimize business models and effectively manage heritage.

• Application of IT technologies for the promotion of natural and cultural heritage can enhance digitalization of the route. Improvement of Capitals through actions taken These good practices helped in developping the main actions taken. Their impact was measured by comparing the KPI values gathered in the beginning and end of the project. Cultural Capital (CC) initially had a development level of 28%, indicating room for improvement. The number of cultural events at the local level (CC-06) was already high but could be further enhanced. Utilization of social media (CC-02 to CC-05), crowdfunding campaigns (CC-07), and training in traditional skills (CC-08) were areas identified for improvement. In the last monitoring period, Cultural Capital reached a development level of 71%. The increase in tourist arrivals (CC-10), people trained in traditional skills

(CC-08), and places involved in the tourism offer (CC-09) contributed to this improvement. The restoration of St. Rosalia cave and making the site of St. Hema Mountain accessible Wnot only preserved ancient traditions and local intangible heritage but also attract new pilgrims and tourists The Capitals in the Replicator project have all made progress. Cultural Capital showed the highest increase, rising by 43%. Social Capital has the highest level of development, reaching 75%. Natural and Built Capitals had a good level of development initially and did not increase significantly. Human Capital started from a low level but increased by 26%. Financial Capital had a small increase of 1%, indicating the need for more efforts to improve its KPIs (BARRIENTOS et al, 2022).

The RURITAGE project has proven the effectiveness of a methodology that analyzes good practices from past rural regeneration projects and applies them to new cases. Using the Sistematic Innovation Areas in order to build upon Community Capitals can successfully regenerate rural areas through their heritage. This thesis will not go as far as analyzing a specific case in detail. However, the experiences gathered by the RURITAGE project will serve as the operational framework from which Transhumant Heritage and its potential for rural regeneration in Spain will be examined.

3.3. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Following the problem formulation in which the main focus of this Thesis is presented, this chapter has provided relevant theory in the field of rural regeneration through heritage-led strategies. This way, the potential for Transhumant Heritage and Traditional Livestock Trails to start a heritage-led rural regeneration process in rural areas of Spain can be evaluated following state of the art methods. For this purpose, the Theory fisrt introduced the new ICOMOS 2022 Charter for Cultural Heritage Tourism, offering the most relevant upto-date approach on new ways of managing CHT. The charter highlights the need of placing Heritage protection at the core of any tourism development strategy, focusing on community resilience by engaging citizens around

their heritage, reinforcing traditions and heritage ownership. Furthermore, it describes the potential of heritage to contribute to the SDGs. In connection to this new paradigm, the EU funded RURITAGE project provides a wide set of experiences within Heritage-led rural regeneration strategies in different european regions. The experiences and lessons learnt from the RURITAGE project set the theoretical and scientific framework from which to analyze the potential for Transhumant Heritage and Traditional Livestock trails to start a rural regeneration process. This theory chapter has reviewed the most relevant insights from the RURITAGE project related to this Thesis. These are namely the 6 Sistematic innovation areas, from which to alternatively develop sustainable tourism, building upon the Community

Capitals Framework, which provide the baseline of the area to develop, offering an overview of the existing potential within a community. The Community-Based Heritage Management and Planning methdology has also been described in order to understand how citizen engagement around Heritage activation can be achieved. Finally, the Key Performance Indicators are a helpfull tool to evaluate the existing Community Capitals and further monitor them in order to measure success impact. A review of the workflow applied by RURITAGE on a specific Replicator has allowed to understand these concepts in practice. This conceptual framework enables an analysis of the potential of transhumant Heritage for regenerating rural areas of Spain that have been traditionally linked to this practice, in a way that is related with current paradigm in cultural heritage tour-

ism and restoration. The next step is to understand the natural and cultural value of Transhumance, as well as its current situation today.

SIAs (Systematic Innovation Areas) 1. Pilgrimage 2. Sustainable Local Food Production 3. Arts and Festivals 4. Migration 5. Resilience 6. Integrated Landscape Management

Fig. 18. Conceptual Framework (Self Produced)

HERITAGE-LED RURAL REGENERATION

Alternative & Sustainable way to build upon Community Capitals .. New Cultural Heritage Tourism Paradigm

RURITAGE EU Project

13 Role Models (RMs) ICOMOS CHARTER 2022

knowledge transfer to .. 6 Replicators (Rs)

Placing CH protection at the heart of any CHT project and policy Promoting Stakeholder engagement and participatory governance Supporting the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals through climate action and resilience.

CCF (Community Capitals Framework) - Cultural Capital - Natural Capital - Built Capital - Social Capital - Human Capital - Financial Capital .. by using the Community-Based Heritage Management and Planning (CHMP) CHMP (Community-Based Heritage Management and Planning) - Rural Heritage Hubs - Rural Heritage Coordinator - Co-development activities

REPLICATOR WORKFLOW

Context Analysis Identify Community Capitals through KPIs SIAs to co-develop Challenges and Opportunities Identify relevant stakeholders to involve in the Regeneration Locate Rural Heritage Hub Citizen engagement workshops Identify appliable Lessons Learned from RMs Co-Develop regenerative actions Monitor regeneration process through KPIs

.. baseline and impact measured by Key performance Indicators (KPIs) KPIs (Key performance Indicators)

1. INTRODUCTION

2. METHODOLOGY

3. THEORY

4. PRE-ANALYSIS 5. ANALYSIS

6. RESULTS

7. DISCUSION

8. CONCLUSION

Fig. 19. Old picture of a Shepherd in Teruel, Spain.

4.1. LIVESTOCK TRAILS AND TRANSHUMANCE IN SPAIN: A HISTORICAL REVIEW This chapter will review the history of livestock trails and Transhumance in Spain, from pre-historic ancient times until our present day. Before diving into the historical background of Spanish Livestock Trails and Transhumance in the Iberian Peninsula, it is important to describe both: Transhumance is a livestock model that makes use of the pastures in different regions when they are in best conditions to feed cattle (FRANCISCO, 2000). Thus, it involves the annual movement of cattle from the summer pasture lands (Agosteros) to the winter pasture lands (Invernaderos). The existing network of Livestock Trails along the Spanish territory is a ‘green infrastructure’ which has been used by Transhumants for thousands of years and that has gone through

several administrative, legal and physical changes over their history. Livestock trails in Spain, known as Vias Pecuarias (VVPP), have existed for thousands of years and today, this network sums up to 125.000 km of length (ABEL, 2016). Their origin, as we know them today, can be traced to the Middle Ages, when King Alfonso X ‘El Sabio’ granted several privileges to Spanish shepherds in order to protect their cattle and the routes they travelled. However, there have been prehistoric findings that indicated the presence of transhumant activity in the Peninsula over 6000 years ago.

FIg. 20 The steppe bison (Bison priscus) was migratory in the Iberian Peninsula according to paleontological data. All the remains dated in Atapuerca, Burgos, died in spring and summer. It is known that in winter they were not in this environment

7th century BC Humans begin to handle cattle in the Iberian Peninsula In prehistoric times, nomadic peoples traveled the Iberian Peninsula following the routes of the large wild herbivores that they slowly domesticated. These routes were learned by following the wildlife for hunting purposes. Subsequently, nomadic societies became more sedentary as different livestock species were domesticated and “transhumant activity” originated (LIFECAÑADAS, 2018). The Iberian peoples and later the Greeks and Romans who inhabited the Iberian Peninsula from the year 2,500 B.C. described the use of these routes and the high quality of the agricultural and livestock products of the inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula at that time. First livestock routes: Visigoths and Arabs bring new techniques and uses.

Over the centuries, these primitive roads were consolidated at the same time that the original forests of the Iberian Peninsula were changing as the cattle passed through them. Humans began to manage the vegetation so that their cattle could feed better: they would cut down trees leaving open spaces, managed the use of fire to control the grass while cattle ate much of the scrub and the lowest branches of the trees.This is how the ‘wooded pastures’ arose, which have remained an emblematic landscape in the Spanish territory with the name of ‘Dehesas’ and already a first network of trails started to appear (ABEL, 2016). Following the Romans, the Visigoths were the next people to inhabit these lands and they understood the great value of transhumance for obtaining food and raw materials. The Arab peoples, who inhabited the peninsula for seven centuries (711 to 1492 AD), developed the techniques and livestock breeds (such as the Merino) that they brought from North Afri-

ca. Together with the already established customs, they increased the productive capacity of cattle and the quality of their products. These new skills and culture spread through the cattle tracks, reaching all corners of the peninsula. 12th Century AD -18th Century AD: Consolidation of Livestock farming in Spain and the re-conquer of Arab territories. During the XII century Spain is divided in different Christian Kingdoms and is still fighting for re-conquering Arab territories which had been occupied since the VII century. At this point, the only Arab Kingdom left in the Peninsula is the Kingdom of Granada. Cattle owners would hold assemblies, called ‘Mestas’, two or three times a year to deal with matters concerning their cattle, pasture lands, and the state of the trails. In the year 1273 king Alfonso X El Sabio united these Mestas under the name ‘Hon-

rado Concejo de la Mesta de los Pastores de Castilla’ (Honored Council of the Shepherds of Castilla). During the re-conquer of the arab-occupied territories, Shepherds and their cattle had great political importance as the first occupiers. The ‘Concejo de la Mesta’ granted several priviledges that protected cattle owners, promoting pasture lands over agriculture as well as managing and protecting the network of livestock trails. In return, they payed a tax called ‘Montazgo’ which was payed only once to the Crown, instead of everytime they passed through a landlord’s property (ABEL, 2016). In the year 1492 ‘Los reyes Católicos’ (the catholic kings) conquer Granada, the last remaining arab territory in the peninsula. At this time, livestock was the most important economic activity in the Kingdom. It is known that back then there was one animal of cattle for every 3 inhabitants (LIFE CAÑADAS, 2018).

Early 19th century - Present: Decline of transhumance and livestock trails. The people involved in transhumance were the most important in Spanish society with great premises and privileges, until 1836. In that year, privileges for cattle-breeders and shepherds were withdrawn and the railway began to be used instead of the large transhumant routes done ‘by foot’. The number of transhumant animals begins to drop sharply (ABEL, 2016). In 1996, the train was replaced by the truck for the transport of the animals, which greatly simplified and lowered the costs (money and effort), but is much more polluting and stressful for the livestock. Recently, intensive livestock farming (without any displacement) is being more and more implemented to the detriment of the quality of life of the animals and their products. Furthermore, the destruction and occupation by other uses, mainly urban and intensive

agricultural, of the livestock trail network constributes to its decline. Transfers “on foot” are in the minority, only present in areas where the routes are short (Pyrenees and Sierra Penibética) and long journeys are practically testimonial, although the following stand out: Cañada Real Conquense (From the Sierra de Albarracín to Sierra Morena). Cañada Real of the Kingdom of Valencia (From the Sierra de Tragacete to l’Albufera de Valencia). Cañada Real Roncalesa (From the Roncal Valley to the Bardenas Reales in Navarra). Cañadas Reales Leonesas, Burgalesa, de la Plata in its sections from the Sierra de Gredos to the pastures and meadows of Extremadura (SGAA, 2013).

In regards to physiography and grass production for cattle, Spain is clearly divided in two: On one hand, the areas of greater use during hot season (Agostaderos), normally corresponding with high-altitude mountainous regions, and the areas of use during the winter (Invernaderos), where the climate is mild throughout the year. These two complementary subsystems, Agosatedors and Invernaderos, are separated from each other by hundreds of kilometers, resulting in stational movements accross the network of livestock trails (LIFECAÑADAS). These movements could be classified according to their distance: Local displacements: Daily movement of cattle inside a municipal area in order to feed from communal pasture lands. - Transterminance: Displacements where Invernadero and Agostadero are closer together inside a same region. - Transhumance: Big displacements along different regions that could last for several weeks.

FIg. 21.Summer and Winter Pasture Lands / Height map + Hillshade (Self Produced with data from IGN and LIFECAÑADAS)

4.2. LIVESTOCK TRAILS INSIDE THE SPANISH PLANNING LAW A brief introduction into the general structure of Spanish Planning Law in order to frame traditional livestock trails inside land-use planning. Before understanding the legal and planning situation of the Traditional Livestock Trails, it is necessary to explain the Spanish Planning Law beforehand. Spain’s Administrative Structure. Spain is conformed by four administrative units: National, Regional, Provincial and Municipal. When it comes to law and planning, it follows a cascade-like system where by plans and laws in the lower levels must not contradict the higher ones. The national authority is represented by the Spanish Government and its 22 ministries. Planning and Land Management in the entire Spanish territory is regulated by ‘Ley 7/2015, de 30 de Octubre, del Suelo y Re-

habilitación Urbana’ also known as ‘Ley del Suelo’ (Land law). This law establishes the basic rules that govern the management and use of the land in Spain and regulates the land-use and building capacity to guarantee the sustainable use of the territory and the protection of the environment. Among other issues, the Land Law regulates territorial planning, urban management and urban regultaion, as well as the expropriation and valuation of land and the responsibilities and sanctions for urban infractions. In addition, the law establishes the bases for urban rehabilitation and regeneration, the promotion of housing and access to it, and the protection of historical and cultural heritage (MOYA, 2011). In order to understand the lower

levels, I will use as an example the Autonomous Comunity of Castilla y León. In Spain, regional administrations are known as Comunidades Autónomas (CCAA). There is a total of 17 Autonomous Comunities, plus the two Autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla. The Autonomous Comunities formulate their own Land Laws always in accordance to national law, but including necessary adjustments to their territorial features. This way, the ruling Land Law in Castilla y Leon is the ‘Ley 5/1999, de 8 de abril, de Urbanismo de Castilla y León’. There are several features that stand out in relation to Land Laws in other regions, for instance; it regulates the landscape as an element of the territory and protects it as cultural and natural heritage, through the figure of ‘protected landscape’ and the inclusion of landscape criteria in territorial and urban planning. It establishes a mandatory environmental evaluation for territorial and urban plans, whereas other Autono-

mous Communities only require this for specific projects. Lastly, the land law of Castilla y León specifically regulates rural building, establishing the conditions for the construction of new buildings in rural areas and promoting the recovery and rehabilitation of existing ones (MOYA, 2011). The next level is Provincial. There is a total of 52 provinces, 9 of them belonging to Castilla y León: Ávila, Burgos, León, Palencia, Salamanca, Segovia, Soria, Valladolid and Zamora. In Spain, the provinces do not have specific powers in matters of urban planning and land management. The powers in this area correspond to the autonomous communities, which have the capacity to legislate on urban planning and land use planning in their respective territories (EU, 2000).

FIg. 22. Administrative Boundaries in Spain (Self produced with data from IGN)

Table 11. Hierarchy of Spanish Planning Instruments (Self produced with data from EU COMPENDIUM and MOYA, 2015) NATURE

INSTRUMENT

National

National Plan

Autonomic

Territorial coordination, Master plans or its equivalent in Autonomous Legislation: Plans / Guidelines / Norms

GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE The whole state

Part or the whole land Belonging to the Autonomous Community

Special Plans Provincial

Provincial Subsidiary Norms

Part or the whole land of the Province

As it is not an obligatory instrument by law, not every Autonomous Community has one. Some of the AC that do have one are the Basque Country, Andalucia, Madrid, Cataluña, Cantabria, Asturias, Navarra and C. Valenciana

Where they exist, and in absence of planning instruments, they contribute to control land use Any of those two are necessary to carry out land development

The whole municipal district These should be obligatory redacted in those municipalities with neither PGOUM or SN

Urban Land Delimitation Projects

Municipal

There are several examples i.e. National Road Plan, National Plan for the Management of the Mediterranean Coastline, but until this date, there is not a single territorial plan covering the whole of Spain

They need the previous existence of any type of territorial plan

General Plans (PGOUM) Subsidiary Norms (SN)

COMMENTS

Urban Actuation Programs (UAP)

A sector of non-programmed developable land

They imply an open competition, to develop land prior to its program

Detailed Plan

A sector of programmed developable land

They need previous PGOUM, SN or, if necesary UAP.

Special Protection Plans

A portion of any class of land

Special Inner Reform Plans

Urban land on the whole or in part

Detail Studies

A portion of urban or developable land

They need previous PGOUM or SN

They need PGOUM (urban land) or D.P. (Developable land)

The provinces, however, may have some attributions in the matter, by virtue of their condition of local entity. In this sense, they can collaborate with the autonomous communities in the elaboration of urban and territorial planning plans, participate in land management and in the promotion and financing of housing.

Planning. They cover the entire municipal area and it is in charge of establishing the detailed organization of the territory and the conditions of use, construction and transformation of urban and developable land.

In addition, the provincial councils, which are intermediate bodies between the provinces and the autonomous communities, may have powers in matters of territorial planning and resource management, especially in those rural or less populated areas where greater coordination and collaboration between the different levels of public administration.

At this point, it is relevant to explain the classification of land according to Spanish Law:

The next and final level, Municipal, is the body responsible for executing plans. The most important and comprehensive tool that municipalities count on for executing planning is the Plan General de Ordenación Urbana (PGOU). It would be the equivalent to a Lokalplan in Danish

Land Classification Spanish Law.

under

Consolidated urban land: those lands that are fully urbanized and that have all the necessary services and infrastructures for their use and construction. Unconsolidated urban land: land that is within the scope of the city or urban nucleus, but that has not yet been urbanized. These lands are intended to be urbanized and converted into consolidated urban land in the future. Developable land: land that is outside the urban area, but which is intended to be urbanized and converted into

urban land in the future. These lands are subject to an urbanization process and their use and construction is conditioned by urban regulations. Non-developable land: land that cannot be developed due to its location, environmental, cultural, historical or landscape characteristics, and that is intended for other uses such as agriculture, livestock, forestry or nature conservation (MOYA, 2011). In Castilla y León, the classification of land follows this same typology, but it also includes the figure of rustic land for rural settlements, which is land that is not developable on which the construction of buildings for agricultural, livestock, forestry or similar, and that is within the rural area. This type of land has a specific regulation in the urban regulations of Castilla y León. Therefore, Castilla y León’s Land Law is applying Spanish Land Law’s classification of land, adding an additional class due to its mainly rural

and natural condition. The municipal authorities will be in charge of delimiting the areas for each class of land and finally the plan will have to be approved by Regional Authority (in our case, Castilla y León). Ley 3/1995 de 23 de Marzo de Vias Pecuarias (Livestock Trails’ Law). The VVPPs are ruled by national law ‘Ley 3/1995 de 23 de Marzo de Vias Pecuarias’ where they are defined as ‘the routes or itineraries through which Livestock transit takes place or has traditionally taken place (BOE,1995). According to their width, they are classified into the following types: Cañadas (width<75m), Cordeles (width<37.5m) and Veredas (width<20m) (See Fig. 9). These routes are declared a Public Domain Asset and whose ownership is held by the Autonomous Community. Therefore, it corresponds to a particular Autonomous Community to carry out the necessary duties

Fig. 23. Below, illustration of a Via Pecuaria (Self Produced)

to protect and preserve these routes and the strips of land that follow along them. The main actions that the authorities need to carry out in the VVPPs are: Classification, its category or level of protection and its regime of use are determined; Delimitation, delimiting its layout and width, with the aim of establishing the precise limits of the route and avoiding invasions or illegal occupations of its surface;

Demarcation, this action is carried out while delimiting the route and it consists on placing sote milestones that mark the route and let everybody know its consists of a VVPP; Disaffection, the process by which it is declared that a cattle route ceases to have the function for which it was created. In this process, it is determined if there is a real need to maintain the road as such or if the land on the road can be used for other purposes (SGAA, 2013).

The law recognizes livestock transit as the prior use of the VVPPs. However, it also allows for ‘Complementary Uses’ which are: Hiking, Mountain biking, Horse riding and other non-motorized sports that respect the priority of Cattle. The only motorized vehicles allowed are the ones destined to agricultural use. There are several CCAA that have implemented further laws on the VVPP, in our example, Castilla y León has not developed any new laws and

strictly applied national Law. This difference among regional laws can pose a challenge when working with the VVPP network. Program for the recovery of the National Network of VVPP It can be stated that the general conditions on the VVPPs are deficient. The main factors that have contributed to the alteration of these routes and the infrastructures associated with them are: Intrusiveness

FIg. 24. Network of VVPP in Madrid Region (Self Produced with data from IGN)

of an agricultural, social and urban nature; Impacts due to construction of transport infrastructure; Disarticulation by urban and rural planning (land concentration); Others (heaps and landfills) (SGAA, 2013). The Ley 3/1995 created the National Network of VVPPs which integrate the main CRs and the all the trails that cross different administrative boundaries (different CCAAs) and other trails that contribute to the interconnection of these. These efforts are driven towards preserving long transhumant displacements of cattle and territorial cohesion along Spain as well as the transmission of culture (NOE, 2020). Furthermore, the law authorises the General Administration of the Spanish State (more specifically the Ministry of Agriculture, Fishery and Food) to collaborate with the CCAAs with technical and economical support in working towards the restoration and preservation of the National Network of VVPPs. In this context, since 1999

the State together with the CCAAs have been working in classifying and delimiting the livestock tracks belonging to the National Network of VVPPs with the aim of ‘restoring the Cañadas Reales into new tourist, sports and cultural routes’ (MITECO, 2003). The result of the program is the signing of twelve collaboration agreements that have affected more than 3.000km of the VVPP network in seventeen provinces.

Fig. 25. Aerial view of a Traditional Livestock Trail (Cañada Real) Note how the 75m width is respected in this case.

4.3. ECOSYSTEM SERVICES OF LIVESTOCK TRAILS AND TRANSHUMANCE The Spanish national network of livestock trails is a vital green infrastructure that provides numerous benefits to the environment and the people around them. The VVPP are natural systems that have been largely preserved and interconnected, maintaining a high degree of naturalness that is used by several species as a breeding, refuge and feeding area (GOMEZ SAL, 2001). For this reason, the VVPP play a fundamental role as a ‘reservoir of biodiversity’, acting as biological corridors due to the movement of cattle (AZCARATE et al, 2010). Herbivores that perform transhumance through the CRs transport seeds and insects over very long distances (FISCHER et al, 1996) enabling the connection between habitats and the exchange of species, which is essential to fight the high degree of fragmentation that ecological systems are facing across the territory.

Transhumance also provides several goods services to society. We can understand ‘goods and services’ of ecosystems as the ‘benefits that humans obtain, directly or indirectly, from ecosystem functions’ (COSTANZA et al, 1997). There are three categories of services linked to the sustainable use of ecosystems: Supply, Regulation and Cultural (LIFECAÑADAS, 2013). Supply Services are products obtained directly from the ecosystems, such as food, wood, drinking or water; Regulation services are the benefits obtained indirectly from the ecosystems, such as water purification, soil erosion control or climate control; Cultural Services are

Fig 26. Textile products derived from Shepherds

non-material benefits that humans obtain through aesthetic experiences, tourism or spiritual enrichement. Supply Services Among the supply services offered by Transhumance are the products derived from livestock: Meat, milk, leather, wool, manure.. However, there are other services that are more difficult to quantify, such as the production of pastures by grazing, which favours hunting species and mushrooms who thrive on them. Transhumance increases the efficiency in the optimal use of natural resources available (MANZANO and CASAS, 2010), since it enables the economic use of areas with very high productivity peaks but, at the same time, very localized space and time. The plant systems that transhumant herbivores feed from include not only pastures in the summer and winter areas (invernada and agostada), but also the strips of land along the VVPP. These are usually located in regions with two maximum pro-

duction of pastures, in spring and autumn, which coincide in time precisely with the moment of passage of transhumant cattle. All these areas with marked productivity peaks are often defined as “marginal lands”, since most of the agricultural activities or intensive farming cannot be carried out there, and therefore extensive livestock farming with mobility components is the main possible economic activity. Transhumant grazing also results in a considerable saving of cattle feed, fertilizers and pesticides, as well as a significant production of productive natural manure that is distributed naturally on the ground without the use of machinery. This entails, then, a maximization in the use of resources (SGAA, 2013). In this context, transhumance positively affects the socio-economic resilience of the system, contributing to the economic sustainability of the territories and their populations

Fig 27. Cattle Grazing

which, with this type of sustainable livestock farming, remain fixed to the rural environment. This way, depopulation is avoided in areas that are not very productive and with few resources, favoring the development of the most depressed areas. Therefore, transhumance activity should continue to be a backbone element of the territory, which integrates urban society and the rural society of the different counties and regions (MANZANO and CASAS, 2010). Regulation Services Generally, the ecological functions that the VVPP provide rely on the movement of cattle along them. In this way, transhumance on foot and extensive livestock generate several regulation services such as, ecological connectivity, maintenance of “biodiversity reservoirs”, or the contribution of landscape heterogeneity (these last two through the change contributed by the same livestock route but also by the tradi-

tional resting places). The VVPP act as their own ecosystem, and function as true ecological corridors, essential for migration, geographic distribution and genetic exchange of species wild. In this sense, transhumance plays a fundamental role in the planning and management of protected natural spaces. However, these types of services are generally difficult to quantify, which causes them to be poorly recognized. Transhumance is an exploitation system in which the pastures, autochthonous cattle breeds, and the VVPP are related in subtle balance. It supports the preservation of authoctonous transhumant breeds and ecologically highly valuable habitats (like meadows or mountainous pastures), as well as the interconexion of protected natural spaces (LIFE CAÑADAS, 2018). It has been proven that cattle contributes to ‘cleaning’ the forests, reducing soil degradation, regulating the availability of water and thus preventing forest fires. As cattle feeds

Fig 28. Traditional celebration of the Shepherd’s day, La Vega, Asturias, Spain.

from forest biomass, this reduces the risk of fire hazard. It is a key element in the multi-functional forest management and, particularly, of the Mediterranean forest, which has hardly any logging use and is today submerged in a process of progressive abandonment (SGAA, 2013). Furthermore, transhumant cattle not only renovate pastres and contribute their preservation, but they also generate new ones thanks to their natural fertilization of soil. This is highly valuable as pastures act as CO2 sinks (LIFECAÑADAS, 2018) and therefore contribute to mitigating climate change. The transhumant model also reduces C02 emisions due to the low consumption of raw material needed for the management of cattle. Several studies suggest that transhumant livestock generates 75% less emisions than stationary extensive livestock farming (CASAS y MANZANO, 2010).

Cultural Services As reviewed in the beginning of this chapter, Spain has a rich cultural legacy from transhumant cultures, which can be observed today in the names of streets, enclaves, entire villages and traditional folkloric celebrations. Transhumance was the link by which cultural exchange happened through the centuries, representing today a variety of architectural heritage (see Figs 14, 15, 16, 17), local traditions and gastronomic variety. The etnographic and anthropological heritage of Transhumance is linked to a historic legacy of great interest which is worth conserving: Cattle bridges, Roman arches, shearing houses, shepherd shelters, wool washers and other constructions built by the technique of the so-called ‘piedra seca’ (dry stone) (ABEL, 2016). These cultural servces can also be translated into economic benefits for shepherds, hotel owners, craftmen and entire villages. Today there are

Fig 29. Old picture of a ‘Chozo’ (Shepherd’s hut)

several museums and celebrations around transhumance that attract national and international tourism. This way, the folklore, the gastronomy and the crafts traditionally linked with transhumance form a rich cultural legacy that can produce great benefits for a tourism industry that is in high demand.

ine the ‘Caminos Naturales’ (Natural trails) program carried out by the Spanish National Government since 1993, which has restored more than 10.500km of nature trails along the Spanish territory (MAPA, 2023).

These features have led UNESCO to consider transhumance to be considered world heritage, a process that is still under way and which will contribute enourmously to raise awareness about the cultural and natural value of transhumance in todays society (SGAA, 2013). Furthermore, transhumance also serves Nature tourism, conserving highly valuable landscapes. The potential for the recreational use of the VVPP is great, as they offer a unique way of connecting with the landscape through different nature-related sports such as mountain biking, hiking or horse riding. In this context, it is particularly interesting to exam-

4.4. CURRENT SITUATION OF LIVESTOCK TRAILS AND TRASNHUMANCE IN SPAIN A brief overview of transhumant activity in Spain today as well as the main challenges it faces. A description of different initatives planned by institutions and technicians is also provided. Over the past century, extensive livestock farming has been dramatically abandoned in favour of intensive livestock farming, totally independent of the environment and with a significant consumption of energy and imported raw materials. However, extensive livestock farming and transhumance are still practiced in different regions of Spain. This chapter will describe the types of animals that are farmed today in this model, the number of transhumant journeys, the social and economic structure of the families who practice it and finally, the main initiatives that are being discussed in order to promote and protect extensive livestock farming and transhumance in Spain.

Transhumant breeds The animal breeds that are used for grazing in Spain are indigenous breeds of sheep, goats and cows. Throughout the centuries, transhumance has contributed to the genetic improvement of the indigneous breeds that inhabited the Iberian peninsula. Two of the most well-known breeds are the Vaca Avileña-Negra Ibérica (cow) and the Oveja Merina (sheep). A comparative study of the number of animals in extensive livestock farming that performed transhumant journeys in 1990 and 2010 showed that transhumant sheep and goats are in decline while cows are increasing (SGAA, 2013). Today, around

270.000 sheeps and goats and 210.000 cows perform transhumant displacements, from which 40% are done on-foot. If we only considered large displacements between different regions, these numbers decrease to 30.000 and 50.000 respectively, from which only 10% perform transhumance on-foot. Available Pasture Land-tenure.

Land

and

Most of the short-distance transhumances by foot take place in areas where summer pasture lands are close to the winter pasture lands, as it occurs in the Pyrinees or the Sierras Penibéticas (South-East Spain), whereas large distance journeys are practically testimonial. However, it is worth mentioning the transhumant journey from the Sierra de Albarracín (Teruel, Aragón) to Sierra Morena (Jaén, Andalucía) using the Cañada Real Conquense (see figure n.01), and from the Sierra de Gredos (Ávila, Castilla y Leon) to the lowlands of Extremadura.

Around 17% of Spanish territory corresponds to meadows and pastures (See table 12). Furthermore, from the 35% of Forest Land, almost 19% can be used for grazing purposes. Adding other types of landuse such as fallows, meadows and wastelands, almost 50% of Spanish territory is occupied by surfaces suitable for livestock use, largely usable almost exclusively by and extensive transhumant model. Due to historical reasons and the evolution of land-tenure, grazing lands may belong to very diverse owners, both public and private. In general terms, it can be pointed out that: - Summer pasture lands, which often correspond to high altitude mountainous regions (see fig.20), are mainly of public domain, either by local administration, regional or national, and are normally categorized as ‘Monte de Utilidad Pública’ (Public-use mountain). Under national law, this category guarantees

DISTRIBUTION OF SOIL ACCORDING TO USES AND DEVELOPMENTS

grazing from local cattle as the main priority use in these areas.

Moreover, the annual renewal system for pasture leasing discourages the shepherds from making longterm investments in buildings, infrastructure, or other improvements, as there are significant uncertainties that dissuade them from taking on medium to long-term debts.

LAND-USE

SURFACE (HA)

SURFACE (%)

CROPS

17.270.927

34,18%

Arable Crops

9,124,731

18.06%

Fallows and unoccupied land

3,362,637

6.65%

Woody Crops

4,783,559

9.47%

MEADOWS AND PASTURES

8,453,186

16.73%

Natural meadows

2,987,180

5.91%

Pastures

5,466,006

10.82%

FOREST LAND

17,795,642

35.21%

Timber forest

8,306,882

16.44%

Open forest

4,342,305

8.59%

PUBLIC FOREST

SURFACE (HA)

Woody forest

5,146,455

10.18%

State-Owned

300.000

OTHER SURFACES

8,510,344

16.84%

Autonomous Community-Owned

1.500.000

Wasteland to pasture

3,910,340

7.74%

Municipal-Owned

8.000.000

Needle grassland

424,372

0.84%

Other public entities

200.000

Unproductive land

1,224,898

2.42%

PRIVATE FOREST

Non-agricultural area

2,293,278

4.54%

Individuals or companies

15.900.000

Rivers and lakes

657,456

1.30%

Collectively owned

2.000.000

TOTAL GEOGRAPHICAL SURFACE

50,536,509

100,00%

Other private law entities

100.000

Table 12. Soil Distribution, Spain.

- On the other hand, winter pasture lands , often low-lands (known as dehesas), belong mainly to private owners. The leasing of these dehesas, despite forest protection measures, is mainly governed by agreements between the parties involved. These areas are often large estates that allow for other profitable uses such as hunting and permanent livestock grazing, which can prevent access for transhumant shepherds.

- Grazing areas in agricultural crops are distributed along the whole Spanish territory. Also regulated by law, a portion of the crops in certain areas is destined for transhumant cattle consumption.

FOREST PROPERTY

Table 13. Forest Property, Spain (Anuario de Estadistica 2009 y MARM) 57

Socio-economic analysis of Transhumant communities Transhumance, apart from its environmental significance, has an important social value. It is an activity that involves whole families and communities helping each other. The SITRAN (Animal Traceability Information System) offered a census of transhumant shepherds in Spain from 2010 to 2011, counting a total of 1290 transhumant sheep and goat shepherds, and 7103 transhumant cow shepherds. The family structure is a big part of transhumant culture, it is rarely the case that a staff is hired. The cases when this happens, it is normally inmigrant people who take the job, as wage is low and the labour is tough. This issue worsens the generational relief in the profession, as younger generations are not interested in such a lifestyle. Transhumant shepherds often live in

two different and distant places for half of the year. This poses significant challenges for the families, as Spain does not recognize a double residency, families can only register on one location, losing access to basic services, such as schooling or health-care on one of the locations. The role that women play is a very significant part of transhumant family organization. It is known that transhumant cattle lead by single men often end up disappearing. Women have a variety of roles depending on how big the family is or the type of cattle they own. In many cases, their role is very active, performing as ‘hateras’, this is, following the cattle and the group of shepherds with a Jeep that stores all the food, medicines and different goods for the journey. They set up the temporary stables where the cattle will spend the night or prepare the different meals throughout the day. The rest of the year, when the husband is taking care of the cattle up in the mountains, the women are the head

of the family and take care of all the economic management of the business (SGAA, 2013). In regards to the profitability of transhumant extensive livestock farming, a detailed study (NOGALES & BAENA, 2010) compared the benefits derived from a transhumant model and a fixed model (cattle that is kept in the same land all over the year and eats feed when pasture is not available). In general terms, it showed that a transhumant model produces higher benefits, however, the challenges related to transhumant lifestyle in our society today make farmers choose a fixed livestock model.

has lost most of its value due to synthetic fabric, which leaves extensive livestock farming with little profitability ranges (NOGALES & BAENA, 2010). Although authorities seem to acknowledge the favourable outcomes that extensive livestock produces on the environment, it has not yet found a way of providing incentives that would pay for these services. There is a general lack of commitment to the preservation of this livestock model. Climate change is also having very negative effects on the loss of habitats and pasture lands. Changing weather patterns make shepherds uncertain of rain or drought seasons.

Main challenges The main challenges that transhumant communities face today are related to changes in the livestock production, which have favoured intensive, industrial livestock farming over extensive models. The price of meat has been lowered and wool

Livestock trails, which are the main infrastructure used by shepherds are detereorating due to urbanization and croplands invading the public domain around the trails, making it even more difficult for transhumants to move their cattle from one place to another. Furthermore, the lack of

other vital infrastructure like water supply for animals in strategic spots, or shelters for both shepherds and cattle, is another great challenge. Finally, the lack of generational relief makes the future of this profession very uncertain, as younger generations are becoming more and more urbanized, and less interested in traditional rural jobs. Proposed Measures In 2010, a group of experts among public authorities, NGOs, academics and farmers got together and elaborated a set of measures to tackle and improve the situation of transhumance in Spain (SGAA, 2013). The measures were grouped into 7 axes. In connection to this Thesis, the following four axes will be described: • Management Improvement There is a lack of organization inside the transhumant livestock model, the

creation of an oficial registry of transhumant cattle owners will contribute to a better management of the community. An integrated information system composed by datasets gathering all the relevant information on transhumant shepherds i.e. number of animals, pasture areas used, activity, livestock trails used etc.. This would also contribute to quantifying the ecological services they provide to the environment, enabling a system of incentives. • Social and Economic Integration A profesional title that recognizes shepherds would contribute to regulate this profesion. In addition, the promotion of ‘Shepherd schools’ to attract people unrelated to transhumant culture and promote the activity among younger generations. Supporting transhumance and extensive livestock farming in the frame of sustainable rural development projects funded by the EU, with a focus on modernizing the transhumant

journey, providing more assistance and tools.

scribed in the tradition of transhumance and communicate their relevance in todays world.

• Infrastructure improvement Continue the efforts made by the Plan Nacional de Recuperacion de Vias Pecuarias (See Chapter 4.2), which aims at surveying the whole of Spanish livestock routes and ensuring the public domain around them is respected. This would also include surveying the existing infrastructure used by shepherds (shelters, drinking water supply) and provide it where needed. • Raising awarenes of Transhumance This is the point that relates most to this Thesis. The experts state that ‘there is a need for innovative, local development projects that integrate the economic, cultural, environmental and touristic values related to transhumance’. The main goal of such projects would be to raise awareness of the different values in-

As it has been explained up until this point, there are several challenges that need to be faced in order to regenerate this heritage. Therefore, the promotion of transhumance and the preservation of traditional livestock routes require a holistic perspective that addresses all of these issues at a time. Although this set of measures proposed by a qualified team of experts on the field is highly relevant and covers most of the problems that transhuamnce and livestock trails are facing, there are still actions to be taken. This thesis will explore the potential of regenerative tourism to collaborate in the efforts of preserving Transhumant Heritage.

1. INTRODUCTION

2. METHODOLOGY

3. THEORY

4. PRE-ANALYSIS

5. ANALYSIS 6. RESULTS

7. DISCUSION

8. CONCLUSION

The analysis performed has gathered the inputs of a wide range of relevant stakeholders in the field of rural regeneration and transhumance in Spain. The main goal of such analysis has been to explore RQ3: What are the attitudes and perceptions of key stakeholders (e.g., farmers, landowners, policymakers, academics, local communities) within different rural Spanish regions towards the use of Traditional Livestock Trails as a driver for Rural Regeneration? However, before exploring the topic with the relevant stakeholders, Transhumant heritage has been put in relation to the conceptual framework regarding current paradigms in heritage tourism and rural regeneration (Chapter 3). This way, RQ2 was adressed: How can a Heritage-Led Rural Regeneration process, focused around the Cañadas Reales, be operated in accordance to current paradigms in Cultural-Natural Heritage Preservation and Restoration?

Methodology Recap

Data Collection Process

Following the multiple case study approach (YIN, 2004) a number of stakeholders belonging to different regions of Spain as well as different areas of expertise, were contacted and invited to participate in an online survey. Furthermore, those who were more willing to participate were also interviewed several times, providing a deeper insight into specific topics.

After researching through acamedic articles, newsletters, social media and other online content, a wide number of potential stakeholders was contacted: from professionals working for the public administration, to farmers and local leaders in relation to transhumance and the rural environment.

The search for relevant stakeholders has been carried out following the literature ellaborated by the RURITAGE project (Chapter 3.2). According to such theory, relevant stakeholders in a heritage-led rural regeneration process will come from five different groups: Public Administrations, NGOs, Academics, Local Action Groups and Private Entities. An informative document was ellaborated by the author with the aim of sharing a vision with the participants on a possible regeneration scenario based on transhumant heritage.

Firstly, an introductory email presenting the author and the Thesis’ topic was sent out to a wide number of potential participants. Although the response rate was optimal, there were several stakeholders who did not respond. Once the first contact was made and a collaboration was agreed upon, the next step was to present the informative document together with the online survey.

document describes the opportunities for heritage-led rural regeneration strategy based on transhumant heritage. (see figure 29). This document, which can be read in Appendix I, consists of a short presentation of 17 slides containing text, pictures and diagrams, with the aim of inspiring the reader and presenting alternative and sustainable heritage tourism strategies that are based on transhumant culture, route tourism and livestock trails. Route Tourism is presented as a potential strategy for developing local and sustainable tourism around pastoral and transhumant heritage. This type of tourism attracts nature enthusiasts, offering the opportunity of walking in nature, discovering new landscapes and getting to learn about the culture of given area.

Informative Document

Survey Design

By putting into practice the concepts and knowledge explained in this Thesis’ Theory (Chapter 3), the

The survey was shared online through Google Forms, which allowed to create and share an online survey in

Figure 29. Slide nº8 on the Informative Document

THE TOURIST LEARNS Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a unique experience close to nature and culture. They can learn about the values of transhumance and its relevance today, which gives them an unforgettable experience and a greater knowledge about these traditional practices.

ECONOMIC BOOST FOR TRANSHUMANT COMMUNITIES Tourism related to transhumance can generate additional income for the communities that practice this activity. By promoting tourism around transhumance, an additional incentive is created to carry out transhumance on foot instead of using more modern means of transport such as trucks. This helps preserve the tradition and way of life of pastoral communities, while providing them with economic opportunities.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Transhumance and the passage of cattle through the livestock trails play a crucial role in the maintenance of rural ecosystems. Livestock transit helps maintain biodiversity, prevents the proliferation of invasive species, and contributes to the health of natural landscapes. By promoting tourism related to transhumance, the preservation of these natural spaces is promoted and the need to maintain the traditional routes of transhumance is reinforced.

only a few steps. The survey is divided in 8 sections, trying to capture the overall topics that surround the regeneration of transhumant heritage: 1. Introduction: First section asks about the region and the stakeholder group the participant belongs to, this way the answers can be later classified for further analysis. 2. Knowledge and Perception of transhumant heritage and the pastoral world: This section aimed to understand to what extent transhumant culture is still present in the participants’ area, as well as the level of knowledge and awareness they have about this tradition and its cultural value. 3. Benefits of regenerative tourism around transhumant heritage and the pastoral world: This section aimed to identify the benefits that the participants associate with tourism around the transhumant

world, as well as to understand their expectations and motivations, to finally highlight the positive aspects and opportunities that can arise from this tourist activity. 4. Challenges and opportunities of tourism based on transhumant heritage: Knowing the challenges and opportunities perceived by the participants provided valuable information on potential obstacles to overcome and areas where the advantages of rural regeneration based on transhumant heritage and the pastoral world can be maximized. 5. Implications for the local community: This section aimed at understanding how restorative tourism can affect local communities makes it possible to assess the social, economic and cultural impacts that may arise. This is essential to ensure that the development is sustainable and beneficial to the local community in terms of employment, quality of life and

preservation of cultural identity. 6. Participation and collaboration: The active participation of local communities and the collaboration between different actors are essential for the success of the rural regeneration process. Identifying participants’ perspectives and opinions on participation and collaboration will help promote an inclusive and participatory approach to decision-making and project implementation. 7. Institutional support and Public Policies: Institutional support and public policies play a crucial role in promoting and developing regenerative tourism based on transhumant heritage and the pastoral world. Understanding the expectations and needs of the participants in relation to institutional support and public policies will allow the design of adequate frameworks that support the process of rural regeneration.

8. Final Impressions: This section gathered personal insights of each participant into the overall theme. A total of 10 responses were gathered, all of them belonging to different regions of Spain as well as different fields of expertise. The main groups that the participants were classified into are the following: Public Administration As explained in chapter 4.2, livestock trails are managed by regional administrations, therefore, any work related to them will have to be approved and managed by them. Although the regional authority is the highest one in this case, provincial authorities work very closely on the monitoring and of livestock trails inside their territory, submitting regular reports to the Autonomous Community. For this reason, a selection of professionals working in different levels was performed.

NGOs There are several NGOs working on different areas related to transhumance. While some of them specialize on raising awarenes on transhumant culture, others specialize on the livestock trails and their conservation. It has been found that there is a network of NGOs that cover great part of the Spanish territory. Academics The research has come up with an important project financed by the EU and lead by a Spanish University, which works with the restoration on livestock tracks: LIFE Cañadas. Two of the main project leaders agreed to participate in this Thesis. Their insight has been highly valuable as it offers both an academic and an onfield perspective. Local Community Local actors are essential when evaluating the potential for a rural re-

generation process, as they provide crucial insight into the area’s needs and resources. Their willingness to collaborate on such efforts will determine the potential for regeneration. Farmer / Cattle Owner In the context of transhumance and rural regeneration, cattle owners are at the core of the process. At the same time, they are usually the most difficult to contact, as it takes time to build the confidence needed. However, it was possible to contact an owner of transhumant cattle through the academic team mentioned earlier. Private Entities Private actors are an essential part of a rural regeneration strategy, being able to provide initial investments when needed. More specifically, those who work closely with the public administration are usually more willing to support initiatives that will

contribute to social and environmental well-being within the rural areas. Data Analysis Approach The survey contained the same questions for all the different groups. Each section contained both qualitative and quantitative questions. Some groups will provide more valuable insights to certain questions depending on their area of expertise. For instance, when asked about land-use confilcts between transhumant shepherds and other land uses, a local actor will have greater knowledge on the subject, whereas questions regarding the role of public administrations might not be their strength. The strategy described has allowed to get an overview of perspectives belonging to different professionals related to transhumant culture and rural regeneration in Spain.

1. INTRODUCTION

2. METHODOLOGY

3. THEORY

4. PRE-ANALYSIS

5. ANALYSIS

6. RESULTS 7. DISCUSION

8. CONCLUSION

Figure 31. Geographical distribution of Participants

The following chapter will describe the results obtained through the surveying campaign. Following the survey’s structure, the results for each chapter will be presented by charts (quantitative data) and text (qualitative data). When relevant, citations from interviews will be included in order to emphasize certain results.

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION The first section’s goal is to categorize the participants according to stakeholder group and location inside of Spanish territory. This way, the following answers to the survey can be classified in order to provide a more detailed analysis. From the 10 participants: • 2 Local Community • 1 Public administration • 3 NGOs • 1 Academic • 1 Private Entity • 2 Cattle Owners / Shepherds Belonging to the following Regions: Cuenca, Guadalajara, Albacete, Toledo, Ciudad Real, Madrid, Asturias and Huelva.

SECTION 2. KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION OF TRANSHUMANT HERITAGE AND THE PASTORAL WORLD Q.2.1: What is your personal level of awarenes of Transhumant Heritage? Q.2.2: How important do you believe Transhumant Heritage is for your community? Q.2.3:How do you think the citizens in your area perceive the importance and cultural value of this tradition in the community?

Very High 5

Very low 0

Q2.1.

Q2.2.

Q2.3.

Fig 32. Traditional celebration of the Shepherd’s day, Covadonga, Asturias, Spain.

Although section 2 did not collect any qualitative data, it asked wether transhumance still took place in the participants’ area, to which 50% answered yes, 30% no, and 20% were unaware. The quantitave results show that although the participants believe trasnhumant heritage is highly important for their community, they also believe there is a general lack of concern by the community itself towards this heritage. This can also be seen in the answers to Q2.1. delivered by the participants belonging to a Local community

SECTION 3. BENEFITS OF REGENERATIVE TOURISM AROUND TRANSHUMANT HERITAGE AND THE PASTORAL WORLD Q.3.1: Can tourism bring benefits to the transhumant community and the rural environment in general? Q.3.2: Can tourism contribute to the conservation and preservation of transhumant culture? Q.3.3: Can tourism contribute to the conservation and preservation of Livestock Trails? Q.3.4: Can tourism based on transhumant culture generate local employment? Q.3.5: Can tourism bring new generations closer to transhumant culture? Q.3.6: Can tourism strengthen rural social networks?

Very High 5

Very low 0

Q3.1.

Q3.2.

Q3.3.

Q3.4.

Q3.5.

Q3.6.

Fig 33. Tourist walking along transhumant cattle, Monfrague, Extremadura.

In regards to the benefits perceived by the different stakeholders regarding regenerative tourism around transhumant heritage, the general score seems to indicate a general positive attitude, as all six questions show that at least 50% or more of the participants believe the different benefits are very high. The private entity is the most optimistic, answering ‘very high’ all 6 questions, followed by the public authority who answered ‘very high’ to 5 of the 6 questions. Representatives from the local community seem to percieve the benefits of tourism for the local community in terms of employment generation, strengthening of rural social networks and the involvement of younger generations. However, they are not so convinced about the potential for environmental or cultural conservation. The representatives from NGOs show different opinions, while one may believe the benefits are very high in general, other believes they are quite low (Q.3.1). A similar case happens with the cattle owners, who disagree with each other in most questions, except the last one Q.3.6. which they both the rural social network can be strengthened. Question 3.7. encouraged participants to describe any further benefits from regenerative tourism they could percieve personally or to comment on the ones mentioned. An important comment to take into consideration put forward the question of how such a tourist product would be managed, and that the benefits would depend largely upon this, wether it will be farmers and shepherds the main beneficiaries, or it will be exploited by external tourist agents. Others mentioned the importance of promoting tourism based on transhumant heritage as a way of putting presure on the authorities to take more action towards the preservation and restoration of the Livestock trails.

SECTION 4. CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF TOURISM BASED ON TRANSHUMANT HERITAGE Q.4.1: To what extent are ageing and depopulation a challenge for developing tourism around transhumance? Q.4.2: How much support do you perceive from local administration towards transhumance? Q.4.3: To what extent is the lack of institutional support a challenge for developing tourism around transhumance? Q.4.4: What level of demand do you anticipate that a route tourism through livestock trails can have? Q.4.5: To what extent do you think collaboration among different public administrations is a challenge?

Very High 5

Very low 0

Q4.1.

Q4.2.

Q4.3.

Q4.4.

Q4.5.

In terms of the challenges perceived by the participants, they all agree that ageing and depopulation are a considerable challenge. In regards to the level of demand that such tourism might have, there is a general sense of optimism. However, one of the locals and cattle owners showed a very negative view. In relation to the role of institutions on the promotion of regenerative tourism based on transhumant heritage, Q.4.2. shows how all the participants perceive very little support for public administrations. On the same way, there seems to be an agreement on the challenge posed by the collaboration of different administrative levels when developing this tourism (Q.4.5.). The qualitative data gathered in this section focused around land-use conflicts that could interfere in the process. When asked to describe the tensions between transhumance and other land-uses, ,almost all participants mentioned the invasion of livestock trails (which are public domain) by private individuals for agricultural use: • The CAÑADAS are invaded by adjoining agricultural plots, especially complicated are those of intruders with irrigation or trellised vineyards. A plan for the recovery and renaturation of the CAÑADAS in all its width is necessary, it is not enough to demarcate or delimitation if intruders are going to continue. • Yes, there are important conflicts, in Castilla-La Mancha basically the occupation of the public livestock domain by the adjoining farms, the fences that appropriate this legacy, the illegal dumps and mainly the lack of political will to apply the current legislation and defend the public domain.

When asked to describe further challenges foreseen by the participants, the following answers were given: • I believe that giving new uses to the transhumant heritage will help its recovery, but I consider that the transhumant group (cattle owners, shepherds, veterinarians...) must be sufficiently informed, consulted and considered to avoid subsequent conflicts of interest • Professionalism and awareness of the actors involved: lack of predisposition of farmers and shepherds to provide a tourist “service”; lack of professionalism at all levels; seasonality of the activity • Neither the policies of the PAC nor those of PEPAC contemplate the promotion of transhumance through Livestock Routes through subsidies. Some funding is needed to pay the herders needed to do the transhumance and thus be a competitive drive against truck transhumance. The scrubbing of cattle trails in Sierra areas is also a challenge. It would be very good if these zones were cleared up and at the same time served as Firebreak Areas. • We believe that it is important to complete the inventory and classification of the VVPP network in CLM. About 14,500 km are classified. and it is estimated that there are 20,000. This, in terms of roads, the situation is worse in the case of drinking troughs and resting places since a large part of them are not included in the inventory or the JCCM classification. Another problem is the budget allocated to the VVPPs:

SECTION 5. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY Q.5.1: Do you believe tourism can have a negative effect over local transhumant communities and the natural environment?

Very High 5

Very low 0

Q5.1.

Fig 34. Sheep grazing in the mountains of Otxagabia, Navarra.

Although more than 50% indicate that they believe tourism will not have a very negative effects on the communities and their environment, it is important to point out that an NGO representative and a cattle owner/farmer did show high concern on this topic. When asked more specifically about what could these negative effects be, the most common and important concern is about masification. It is stated that ‘poorly managed, overcrowded tourism can have very negative impacts on the environment due to waste water generation or damage to people’s propoerty, fauna or nature, which would generate conflict.’ Further concerns mentioned the need of not disturbing the work of livestock management. Specially in the case of wild cattle transhumance (the most spectacular and surely the one with most demand) special care must be taken to avoid accidents.

SECTION 6. PARTICIPATION AND COLLABORATION Q.6.1: Do you think that the local community and farmers in your area would be willing to promote regenerative tourism based on transhumance in your area? Q.6.2: To what extent do you consider that local communities should participate in decision-making and the implementation of projects related to regenerative tourism based on transhumant heritage? Q.6.3: Do you think that the private sector in your area can help to promote regenerative tourism based on transhumant heritage?

Very High 5

Very low 0

Q6.1.

Q6.2.

Q6.3.

When asked about the willingness of local actors to contribute to such project, the general score seems to show that there is a lack of it, despite the private entity representative which seems to show more optimism.

• Coordination between all the sectors involved, through a strategic plan that takes into account both interests and fluid communication within the framework of the project

It is strongly agreed by all participants that the local community should be involved in the decision-making and implementation of projects related to tourism around transhumant heritage. It was also asked if the participants knew of a solid local community that was organized in their area and could potentially be involved in leading such a project. 8 out of 10 participants answered yes. However, most of them noted that these organizations were ‘isolated’, not conforming a solid structure between each other.

• ethical tourism protocols

In regards to the role of private collaborators, NGO representatives and Academics show more doubts, followed by cattle owners/farmers. The most optimistic opinions come from the local community, public administration, one NGO representative and the private entity. The following question was asked to the participants in order to gain further insight into the topic of public/private collaboration: ‘What actions or strategies do you consider necessary to foster collaboration between different actors, such as farmers, local authorities, companies and organizations?’ The asnwers gathered show interesting proposals such as: • Creating an association of municipalities through which the livestock route passes to help the transhumants. Ensure permanent contact between farmers and administrations to solve the deficiencies or unforeseen events that may exist. There must be no shortage of water, roads must be crossed safely, tourists must not interfere with livestock management or their transit, etc... it would be good for volunteer tourism to help.

• Small-scale pilot project • Call to offer the information to the aforementioned actors - selection of stakeholders - pilot scheme - corrections, extensions, modifications... - assignment of functions - search for financing

SECTION 7. INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT AND PUBLIC POLICY Q.7.1: What level of support would you expect to receive from local and regional authorities to promote regenerative tourism based on transhumant heritage?

Very High 5

Very low 0

Q7.1.

Fig 35. Hikers alongside cattle grazing, Belagua, Navarra.

In regards to institutional support and public policy, around 40% of the participants feel unsure about the level of support such initiative would receive. One cattle owner/farmer and the private entitty representative show very little optimism while the other cattle owner/farmer and the public representative feel very positive about this topic. Further insights are gathered by asking: ‘What type of institutional support and public policies do you consider necessary to promote regenerative tourism based on transhumant heritage in your area?’ The following answers stand out: • Grants for the promotion of transhumance on foot. • Training courses on livestock management across traditional livestock routes. • Declaring transhumance and its ecosystem and cultural values Assets of Cultural Interest • Law-enforcement directed at intrusions into demarcated cattle routes and their re-naturation • Have a competent administration in this specific matter, allowing it to participate in the development of this project. Relying on the existing fabric in the territory, coordinating actions and actors, perhaps the French model can serve as an example • Ensure that pastoralism is the main beneficiary of such project.

FINAL IMPRESIONS As a way to wrap-up the survey, the participants were asked to write their final impresions on the topic. This way, they were given the freedom to express their biggest concerns and hopes. The following impressions are mentioned: • I feel excited, the cattle routes and transhumance are still alive but the general public considers them dead, they must be rescued because it is something very good and very beautiful. Of course it has a future, especially if it becomes known in the cities, making a transhumance is a great adventure! Totally relevant, it is one more use and can value Transhumance in another aspect. Yes, there are young and middle-aged people who do transhumance, you have to talk to them and align yourself with their work, not hinder them and they really are the big beneficiaries, so everything will go smoothly.

mation about these ideas to the general population, offering more specific information to the directly and indirectly affected groups and attracting interested people to begin creating the line of work. • I think it has a future because there is more and more public awareness about the importance of looking at practices as historic and sustainable as transhumance. If it sells well, it can be a success like the Camino De Santiago or other routes, we are consumers of what sells well • I think it is relevant and very necessary, but it requires an “immersion” in three sectors: livestock-pastoral, hotel-gastronomic, tourist. The problem is that economic success is relatively small and slow; serve as an example the Camino de Santiago (with large investments by “interested parties-non-business and, even so, it took a long time to bear fruit).

• It seems to me a very interesting initiative and with great possibilities. I congratulate you on the idea, it may be a good time to open this line, you can count on our support. One of the problems may be that the competences in matters of VVPP are regional and the project may have to be adapted to that regional framework. If so, I would start developing the project in an autonomous community, then it could be exported to others. It seems that you already have it quite advanced, it may be time to seek support. Thank you very much for the initiative. Greetings. • I think it is interesting, necessary and relevant. I also believe that the work will be arduous and slow, but recently sensitivity has been generated in different sectors of the population with these issues and for this reason I think it will be possible to continue. I believe that we must begin by giving infor-

1. INTRODUCTION

2. METHODOLOGY

3. THEORY

4. PRE-ANALYSIS

5. ANALYSIS

6. RESUTLS

7. DISCUSION 8. CONCLUSION

This chapter will discuss the results obtained in the analysis. The topics to discuss will follow the survey’s structure. Finally, the main findings will be related to the Research Questions, followed by a reflection on the limitations of the study.

(See chapter 3.1), as engaging citizens around their heritage is key to building community resilience. This is how CHT is able to support rural regeneration processes, serving as a tool that empowers communities and strengthens local networks.

1. STAKEHOLDER PERCEPTIONS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

In order to engage the different stakeholders that participated in this Thesis, the informative document that was presented to the participants before filling the survey (see appendix X), explained how transhumant heritage can be activated in connection with the following SIAs : Pilgrimage, Sustainable Food Production, Landscape Management (see chapter 3.2). By connecting transhumant heritage to this SIAs, the participants were inspired by how this heritage can be activated in a sustainable, local and alternative way.

As seen in Section 2. of the survey, there is a certain disparity in regards to the percpection of transhumant heritage and its relevance to the community. While professionals and experts perceive the importance of transhumant heritage within a community, the locals do not seem to acknowledge it. This could indicate the need for educational campaigns, aimed at informing the public on the cultural and natural values that transhumance provides. As stated by the ICOMOS 2022 charter, this is essential when developing Cultural Heritage Tourism (CHT) strategies

Working with community engagement is the first step towards a rural regeneration process and it is a crucial one. The Community Based Heritage Management and Planning

CHMP methodology (See chapter 3.2) provides a wide set of tools to work in this direction. The need to find a ‘Rural Heritage Hub’ as a space for sharing and educating is the first key step. Once a community has a space to gather, the co-creation process can start. Community workshops and educational programs can take place in this Hub, it is important to engage local leaders so that the broader public follow along (EGUSQUIZA, 2019). 2. BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES Section 3. of the survey shows a general positive attitude towards the potential benefits of a heritage based rural regeneration process based on transhumant heritage tourism. The fact that different stakeholder groups like private entities, public administration, farmers and NGO representatives agree on these benefits indicates there is great potential for regeneration.

However, there are several topics in which the attitudes are not as positive, for instance, regarding the creation of local employment. During interviews with academics and NGO memebers (see appendix X), it was discussed several times the fear of having heritage tourism managed by external agents. This indicates the need to insist on a local management model. For this purpose, local citizens could undergo training programs that would enable them take ownership of such projects. In relation to the challenges foreseen by the different groups, ageing and depopulation is a major concern. This topic affects every aspect of rural life and it is an issue that should be addressed from multiple perspectives. However, during the process of research for this Thesis, several rural action groups, in relation to transhumance and conformed by young people, have been contacted: Asociación LABARDAL, Pástoras Nómadas, Enrear Para Actuar among others, are a great example of how

Fig 36. Cattle grazing in the low pasture lands of Cuenca, Castilla La Mancha

social media presence can effectively raise awareness on rural issues among the youth. Although the rural environment can seem isolated, and to some extent it is, social media has great potential in bringing younger generations closer to rural life. In relation to the level of demand for such tourism, the survey shows different opinions, although most groups show optimism, some participants believe the demand is quite low. Being a complex topic to address, as it is not possible to precisely predict the level of demand of any comercial product, this research has found a general positive belief that route tourism based on transhumant heritage can attract a great amount of visitors. The role of public administrations, their level of support and the need for inter-administrative collaboration are also regarded as important barriers. These topics will be examined closer in section 5 of this discusion chapter.

Further challenges described by the participants mention the need for professional training of the local community who will share their heritage. The unwillingness of some farmers to participate on such process and the lack of awareness by the local community is mentioned as one of the biggest challenges to overcome. It is mentioned that the transhumant community (cattle owners, shepherds, vets .. ) must be well informed, as their approval should be essential for developping tourism in order to avoid future conflicts of interests. This topic will be explored in section 4. of this discusion chapter. Land-use conflict is a major concern among participants. The invasion of the grazing land around the trails by agricultural plots is an problem that transhumants have been facing since the activity began to decay. Altough these invasions are illegal, the administrations fail to prevent it. Tourism around livestock routes can put pressure on administrations to solve

Fig 37. Traditional Shepherd hut near Burgos, Castilla y Leon

this issue and work towards having functional livestock trails, with their grazing width in working conditions. This also means working alongside ecologists, restoring the wildlife that cattle are supposed to graze along their journey (LIFECAÑADAS, 2018). In this context, regarding the potential of tourism to contribute to the protection and preservation of transhumant heritage, while academics and professionals seem to acknowledge it, locals remain sceptical. This can be due to the fact that traditional heritage tourism, over the last decades, has had negative impacts on assets, communities and their environment. In accordance to ICOMOS 2022 charter, CHT should have heritage protection at the heart of every tourism strategy. Local communities should also be educated in this sense. There are several tourism strategies that focus on heritage protection which will be explained in the next section of this discusion. As mentioned earlier, a Rural Heritage Hub is a key element on the process,

as a space for gathering the local community and sharing knowledge on alternative heritage management and tourism strategies. 3. SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AND HERITAGE/ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION One of the most recurring concerns that participants showed is related to environmental preservation. The fear of having a massified model of tourism that generates waste and harms the environment is present among several participants. These issues could potentially intensify conflicts between landowners, therefore it should be major topic to address, in this context, environmental conservation and community well-being go hand in hand. In order to address this issue, the ICOMOS 2022 charter provides a set of guidelines in order to balance the benefits of tourism with its environmental impact, from which the following are found the most rele-

Fig 38. Cyclist near Teruel, Aragón

vant to this Thesis: • Carry Capacity Assessment: Conducting a thorough assessment of the carrying capacity of the area around transhumant heritage sites. Determining the maximum number of visitors that the area can accommodate without causing harm to the environment, cultural sites, or local communities. • Visitor Management Plans: Developing comprehensive visitor management plans that include designated trails, controlled access points, and specific guidelines for visitors. Educating tourists about responsible behavior, including waste disposal, respecting wildlife, and staying on designated paths. • Seasonal and Time-Zone Planning: Implement seasonal and time-zone planning to disperse visitor traffic and prevent overcrowding during peak periods, taking special care to not dis-

turbing transhumant shepherds in their anual journey. Encouraging off-peak visits through targeted marketing and pricing incentives. • Infrastructure Development: Planning infrastructure development that minimizes the environmental footprint. Using sustainable construction materials, designing low-impact facilities, and prioritizing renewable energy sources for powering visitor facilities. • Eco-Friendly Transport Options: Promoting eco-friendly transportation options, such as public transportation, cycling, and walking, to reduce carbon emissions and congestion around the sites. • Waste Management: Implement effective waste management systems, including recycling and composting facilities. Minimizing single-use plastics and encourage visitors to pack out what they bring in.

These are only a few strategies that should be followed in order to prevent massification and the negative environmental impacts of traditional tourism. It is important to ensure ways in which the local community is in charge of managing and putting these strategies into practice, fostering ownership and local entrepeneurship. However, efforts should not be directed solely towards minimizing tourism impacts, but should also contribute to the restoration of transhumant activity in itself. Both in section 4. of the survey and in relevant literature (SGAA, 2013), the need for promoting transhumance on foot through subsidies is metioned.Other actions like the inventory and classification of the livestock trail network and the associated infrastructure (sheds, water spots, huts etc..) are needed in order to support transhumance. In this context, the revenue generated by tourism could contribute to this funding, as well as raising awareness among citizens, putting

more pressure on administrations. 4. LOCAL PARTICIPATION AND COLLABORATION STRATEGIES When asked about the willingness of local actors to participate in such a project the response was generally negative (Section 6. of the survey). This is a common challenge to address, and both in the literature provided by the RURITAGE project and in the ICOMOS 2022 charter, several strategies can be found in order to enhance local participation and address existing barriers. • Community Capacity Building: One of the main reasons of the unwillingness of communities to contribute to tourism projects may be that they feel underskilled. Skill-development workshops can help communities develop skills relevant to heritage conservation, tourism management, and community engagement. Empowering community members with the knowledge needed to actively

participate in the regeneration process is a powerful way of fostering community engagement. • Inclusive Decision-Making: Involving local residents in the planning and decision-making stages of regeneration initiatives. Encourage open dialogues, where their ideas and concerns are valued and integrated into project design. • Local Task Forces: Establishing local task forces composed of community members, experts, and stakeholders. These task forces can contribute insights, monitor progress, and ensure that community interests are well-represented. As explained in section 1 of this discussion, the first step in engaging communities in rural regeneration projects is to provide citizens with a Rural Heritage Hub, a physical space where community meetings can happen. This will foster collaboration among the different stake-

holder groups (public administration, private bussinesses, farmers etc..), as they are all able to gather in the same space. A real case RURITAGE example can be helpful to understand how a Rural Heritage Hub functions: In the region of Izmir, Turkey, the younger population tends to migrate to larger cities in search of better economic opportunities. This rural region is characterized by stunning mountains and forests as well as great agricultural activity. In this region, the MADRA Geopark partipated in the RURITAGE project in order to create sustainable tourism in the area. An old primary school building located in the village of Yukaribey serves as the Rural Heritage Hub. The facility serves multiple functions in alignment with the project’s objectives. One of the initiatives involves facilitating e-commerce for local food products through the hub, while another project serves as the communal space to disseminate information about the pine nut dis-

Fig 39. Example of a Parador Hotel along the way of St.James.

ease (very common in the area and causing great harm). The vision is to establish a central gathering place that accommodates a wide array of activities to benefit the entire region, gathering under the same space different stakeholder groups, united under the same overall goal (DE LUCA, 2018). However, apart from the efforts from the local community to engage in processes with different stakeholders, it is just as important to count on a solid institutional network where different levels of public administration are able to work together and also collaborate with private stakeholders. Following the example of the Camino de Santiago, Public-Private-Partnerships (PPPs) are a model to explore in this context. All along the Camino, there are several accomodation options that are managed following the PPP model. The most interesting one is the ‘Paradores’. These are historic buildings owned by the public

administration but managed by private accomodation bussinesses. The public administration preserves and protects the cultural value while the private entity brings the expertise. It is crucial to ensure that a strategic plan involving different private and public collaborations is transparent, as well as having fluid communication among the different stakeholder groups. As discussed during interviews (see appendix X), it is key to start with pilot schemes on a small scale, allowing for modifications and corrections to be made before moving forward. As soon as neighbouring municipalities are able to see the results on a given area, it is more likely that their administrations will start showing an interest on the topic. 5. INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS In regards to policy and public support, section 7 of the survey shows it is generally perceived that public

administrations give little support to transhumance. As seen in chapter 4.4, issues related with transhumance are not able to be addressed by a single administration, as pasture lands and livestock trails often cross different administrative regions. This creates a difficult situation when managing every-day problems that transhumant shepherds face every day, i.e. the intrusion of agricultural land into the livestock trails or the lack of water along the routes. Many of the policies suggested by the participants of the survey align with the ones explained in chapter 4.4. i.e. the creation of an administrative body specifically in charge of transhumance culture. Rural environments have reachable municipal government, this means that public authorities are easier to contact and engage within the community. Different participants of the survey suggested an association of municipalities crossed by a livestock route would be the prefered man-

agement body. The different problems that need to be addressed on a single route (shortage of water, poor condition of the trail, waste, intrussions..) need a collaborative approach and direct involvement from the administrations. Although today there are several national policies aimed at solving the different issues faced by transhumant shepherds, they fail to end in the desired results. The few successful examples come from specific projects that work closely with the farmers and the trails (LIFE, 2018). This means that policy is failing to be applied. In this context, an association that promotes tourism around a specific trasnhumant route, can also be an effective contributor to the well-being of shepherds and livestock routes. 6. REFLECTION ON FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS In order to wrap up the discussion,

the Thesis’ findings will be put in conntection to the intial research questions, followed by a reflection on the limitations of this study. Sub-Question nº1: How can a Heritage-Led Rural Regeneration process, focused around the Transhumant Heritage, be operated in accordance with current paradigms in Cultural-Natural Heritage Preservation and Restoration? The findings from the survey support the need for approaching such rural regeneration process in accordance to recent paradigms in Cultural Heritage Tourism as described in Chapter 3 of this Thesis. A recurring concern among stakeholders is the potential environmental impact of tourism, especially if it leads to massification and ecological harm. Many stakeholders, including local communities and environmental advocates, express concerns about a model of mass-tourism that would generate waste, disrupt wild-

life, and harm the landscapes along livestock routes. These concerns are substantial, as they not only address environmental issues but also potential conflicts among landowners. In order to address these environmental concerns, the ICOMOS 2022 charter provides a comprehensive set of guidelines. These guidelines emphasize the need to balance the benefits of tourism with its environmental impact, aligning with current paradigms in Cultural-Natural Heritage Preservation and Restoration. Some key strategies include: Carry Capacity Assessment, Visitor Management Plans, Seasonal and TimeZone Planning, Infrastructure Development, Eco-Friendly Transport Options and Waste Management. These strategies reflect the current paradigms in Cultural-Natural Heritage Preservation and Restoration, as they aim to protect the ecological integrity of transhumant heritage sites while allowing for sustainable tourism. They also emphasize

Fig 40. Traditional Shepherd Hut in the Pyrenees.

the importance of local community involvement in implementing and managing these strategies, fostering ownership and local entrepreneurship.

local communities) within different rural Spanish regions towards the use of Transhumant Heritage and Livestock Trails as a driver for Rural Regeneration?

However, the discussion has evolved beyond merely minimizing tourism impacts to actively contributing to the restoration of transhumant activity. This aligns with current paradigms that acknowledge the interconnectedness of cultural and natural heritage preservation and restoration. Funding for transhumance-related initiatives can be supported by the revenue generated by tourism. Additionally, raising awareness among citizens can put more pressure on administrations to address these issues, fostering a holistic approach to heritage-led rural regeneration that respects both cultural and natural values.

Although stakeholder attitudes vary, there’s a shared belief in the potential benefits. Engaging local communities, addressing environmental concerns, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders are key strategies to enhance engagement.

Sub-Question nº2: . What are the attitudes and perceptions of key stakeholders (e.g., farmers, landowners, policymakers, academics,

The research reveals a notable disparity in how different stakeholder groups perceive the potential of transhumant heritage and livestock trails for rural regeneration. Professionals and experts in the field seem strongly convinced of the importance of transhumant heritage within rural communities. They see it as an invaluable asset for revitalizing these regions both culturally and economically. In contrast, the locals in rural areas do not seem to acknowledge or appreciate this heritage. This marked gap in perception can form

a fundamental challenge in the path towards heritage-led rural regeneration. These findings strongly suggest that educational campaigns are an essential element in any strategy aimed at activating transhumant heritage and livestock trails for rural regeneration. These campaigns should be designed to inform and educate the broader public about the profound cultural and natural values that transhumance and these livestock trails represent. These values encompass historical significance, biodiversity preservation, and the potential for sustainable tourism. Aligning with the principles of the ICOMOS 2022 charter, these educational initiatives are not only informative but are also a means to engage citizens around their heritage.

Systematic Innovation Areas (SIAs). These SIAs encompass domains like Pilgrimage, Sustainable Food Production, and Landscape Management, which resonate with the values inherent in transhumance. By showing how transhumant heritage can serve as a driver for development within these SIAs, it is likely that local communities will be more engaged in the rural regeneration process. This has been the case during this Thesis’ research process. The informative document (Appendix I), shared to the different stakeholder groups in order to engage them in this research project, presented transhumant heritage in connection to the SIAs, although these were not explained as such, they were present implicitly. This step managed to successfully engage and inspire the stakeholders needed for this Thesis.

To stimulate engagement among local communities, the potential of Transhumant heritage and livestock trails for rural regeneration can be presented in connection with the

The Community-Based Heritage Management and Planning (CHMP) methodolgy, as outlined in Chapter 3.2, provides a robust toolkit to address these challenges. It is through

these tools that the process of engaging with local communities begins. A pivotal step in this process is the establishment of a ‘Rural Heritage Hub.’ Such a hub would serve as a physical space for knowledge sharing, community workshops, and educational programs. As suggested by Egusquiza (2019), involving local leaders and stakeholders is critical to ensure the broader community’s participation and commitment to the regeneration process. These insights underline the importance of understanding and addressing stakeholder perceptions and community engagement as central elements in the use of transhumant heritage and livestock trails for rural regeneration. Without a doubt, these attitudes and perceptions have direct consequences on the feasibility, challenges, and opportunities involved in the process. Finally, in regards to this Thesis’ main research question: What is the potential of Transhumant Her-

itage and Livestock Trails for starting a Heritage-Led Rural Regeneration process in Spain? Transhumant Heritage and Livestock Trails hold significant potential for initiating a Heritage-Led Rural Regeneration process in Spain. These elements represent a rich set of cultural traditions, historical significance, and natural landscapes. They conform a mixture of tangible and intangible heritage, encompassing traditions, folklore, and environmental ecosystems. As per the ICOMOS 2022 charter and the RURITAGE proejct, recognizing and preserving this cultural-natural fusion is key in heritage-led initiatives. While there is a certain disparity in perceptions between professionals and locals regarding the importance of transhumant heritage, this indicates an opportunity for community engagement and education. Engaging the local population, as emphasized by the ICOMOS charter, is essential to building community re-

silience. Through educational campaigns, community-based heritage management, and the establishment of Rural Heritage Hubs, communities can be empowered and integrated into the regeneration process. Furthermore, understanding how the SIAs in connection to transhumant heritage, build upon existing Community Capitals (see chapter 3.3) in order to drive rural regeneration, can boost local engagement and stakeholder participation. However, this Thesis has also highlighted several challenges: • Securing adequate funding for heritage-led rural regeneration projects, especially in economically disadvantaged regions, remains a substantial challenge. Public and private investment, grants, and creative funding mechanisms are needed to support these initiatives. • Conflicts between traditional live-

stock trails and modern land uses, such as agriculture, can disrupt transhumance routes. Resolving these conflicts requires legal frameworks, collaborative land management, and addressing the concerns of multiple stakeholders. Any tourism strategy should contribute to solving the issue. • Rural areas in Spain are struggling with aging populations. Engaging and empowering younger generations to participate in heritage-led initiatives is crucial for long-term sustainability. • The need to combine restoration efforts with tourism strategies. • The complex multi-administrative nature of land management and heritage preservation often leads to policy fragmentation and inadequate coordination. Overcoming this challenge requires innovative governance structures and inter-administrative collaboration.

• Assessing the market demand for heritage-led tourism initiatives can be challenging. Effective marketing and education campaigns are necessary to attract visitors and change perceptions. In regards to the limitations of this study, there are several topics should be taken into consideration: • Sample Size and Representativeness: Due to the time constraint, no more than 10 participants were able to participate in the analysis. Although the Thesis has succeded in gathering different representatives from the main stakeholder groups related to rural regeneration and transhumance, a higher number of participants would have improved the quality of the findings. • Data collection Method: As this Thesis has been ellaborated in Denmark, all the data collected has been via online. On-field data collection would have been

highly benefitial, as in rural environments, physical contact and closeness is key to building confidence and consequently, getting more valuable insights. • Geographic Focus: Rather than focusing on a given geographical location, this study has focused on gathering data from relevant stakeholders in the field of rural regeneration and transhumance, regardless of their region. A more geographically focused study of this topic can provide further insights into the topics that have been discussed in this chapter. • Cultural Barriers: The fact that on-field data has not been possible to achieve means that very important stakeholders like farmers and shepherds have not been contacted. Usually, farmers and shepherds distrust people who come from outside their community wanting to change things.

1. INTRODUCTION

2. METHODOLOGY

3. THEORY

4. PRE-ANALYSIS

5. ANALYSIS

6. RESULTS

7. DISCUSION

8. CONCLUSION 91

This study set out to explore the potential of Transhumant Heritage and Livestock Trails as drivers of Heritage-Led Rural Regeneration in Spain’s diverse rural regions. Insights gained from stakeholders across these regions have illuminated a path filled with promise, challenges, and opportunities. In this conclusion, a straightforward perspective on the feasibility, challenges, and potential of this approach to rural regeneration will be provided, followed by a reflection on future research paths derived from this Thesis. This research indicates significant potential within Transhumant Heritage and Livestock Trails as drivers for rural regeneration in Spain. Professionals and experts recognize their importance, but many local communities lack awareness. Bridging this gap is essential, with educational campaigns playing a pivotal role. Community engagement, as emphasized by the ICOMOS 2022 charter, is foundational for heritage-led rural regeneration. Aligning

Transhumant Heritage with Systematic Innovation Areas (SIAs) like Pilgrimage, Sustainable Food Production, and Landscape Management can offer a new perspective of these traditions and engage local communities. Stakeholders express optimism about the benefits of heritage-led regeneration through Transhumant Heritage tourism, such as economic revitalization and cultural preservation. However, concerns exist regarding potential environmental harm and external management. The ICOMOS 2022 charter provides guidance by emphasizing sustainable tourism practices, including assessing carrying capacities, crafting visitor management plans, and developing eco-friendly infrastructure. Reinvesting tourism revenue into the restoration of Transhumant Heritage and livestock trails, as advocated by stakeholders, holds promise. The attitudes and perceptions of key stakeholders across diverse Span-

ish rural regions offer a nuanced picture. Although there is optimism concerning the potential benefits of transhumant-heritage tourism, there are concerns regarding aging populations, land-use conflicts, and the role of public administrations. Social media, exemplified by rural action groups, emerges as a potent tool in bridging generational gaps and raising awareness. Key challenges include overcoming resistance from some local actors, particularly farmers, and addressing land-use disputes along livestock trails. Local participation and collaboration are pivotal. Strategies like community capacity building, inclusive decision-making, and the establishment of Rural Heritage Hubs serve to amplify local engagement. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), modeled after the Camino de Santiago, provide a template for collaboration between public and private entities. Institutional support and policy implications underscore the need for multi-administrative collaboration.

The establishment of administrative bodies dedicated to Transhumant Heritage culture, as proposed by stakeholders, represents a critical step. Associations of municipalities intersected by livestock routes can provide a collaborative platform. Yet, it’s crucial to ensure transparent, strategic plans and a fluid communication network among stakeholders. Pilot schemes, as proven through case examples, serve as an effective means to inspire neighboring municipalities and foster widespread interest in Transhumant Heritage preservation.

These conclusive remarks open up the following research pahts: • The integration of regenerative tourism practices with the restoration of livestock trails. Investigating how tourism revenue can be reinvested into the preservation and maintenance of these trails could offer valuable insights. There is a need to find strategies for simultaneously conserving cultural and natural heritage while fostering local economies and community engagement. The work that projects like LIFE CAÑADAS is doing towards the restoration of livestock trails can benefit greatly from further economic revenue from tourism. On the same way, tourism quality improves if the trails present good conditions, with wildflower species along the way. This is a ‘win-win’ scenario that is worthy of being investigated closely.

• Exploring effective strategies for multi-administrative collaboration in relation to transhumant heritage management. This research could analyze the effectiveness of associations of municipalities intersected by livestock routes, and explore how to ensure transparency and efficient communication among stakeholders. Furthermore, the study could examine the scalability of pilot schemes and their potential to serve as models for inspiring neighboring municipalities to engage in Transhumant Heritage tourism and preservation efforts. This research would contribute to the development of practical guidelines and best practices for promoting effective multi-administrative collaboration in heritage-led rural regeneration initiatives.

• Enhancing local participation in the context of transhumant communities. Any work related to this valuable and fragile community needs to be handled with great care. It would be valuable to explore case studies and best practices that have successfully addressed resistance and promoted active involvement of local communities in heritage-led rural regeneration projects. Additionally, investigating the factors that influence the acceptance of such initiatives among different stakeholder groups could provide insights for designing more inclusive and community-driven regeneration processes. It is important to point out that these future research avenues would potentially have more significance if done on a small scale basis, working directly on site, dealing ‘face-toface’ with the people involved.

In conclusion, this study has demonstrated significant potential within Transhumant Heritage and Livestock Trails as drivers for rural regeneration in Spain. This research underscores the importance of community engagement, sustainable tourism, local collaboration, and robust institutional support. However, further research is needed on a small scale basis in order to shed knowledge on how these strategies can be developed in the context of transhumant and rural communities in Spain. By embracing these principles and synergizing Transhumant Heritage with contemporary paradigms of heritage preservation and restoration, Spain has a unique opportunity to rejuvenate its rural landscapes, celebrate its cultural heritage, and preserve its natural treasures for generations to come.

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of Place Attachment to Community Participation and Planning. J. Plan. Lit. Pgs 335–350 MAPAMA. Ministerio para la Transicion ecologica y el reto demografico. Visor cartografico: https://sig.mapama.gob.es/ reto-demografico/?herramienta=ServiceTree&dir=Reto%20Demogr%C3%A1fico MEDEIROS AND CARMELO (2023). Public policies for territorial cohesion. Chapter ‘Eu Policies, Strategies and Territorial Cohesion’. MENZEL, S.; BUCHECKER, M.; SCHULZ, T. Forming social capital—Does participatory planning foster trust in institutions? J. Environ. Manag. Pgs 351–362 MITECO (2003). Plan de recuperacion de las Vias Pecuarias. Available online at: https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/biodiversidad/temas/politica-forestal/vias-pecuarias/rvp_recuperacion.aspx MITECO (2023). Estrategias de desarrollo rural. Available at https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/reto-demografico/temas/ Estrategias_Planes.aspx [Accessed 22 of may].

NOE C. DELGADO (2020). Recuperar la Memoria: Valverde de Leganés (Badajoz, Extremadura, España) y la conservación del patrimonio trashumante. University of Padova. PLATAFORMA. (2023). Main Webpage. Retrieved from http://www.plataformaviaspecuariasclm.es/index.php/plataforma-copy/ INLAND. (2023). Main Webpage. Retrieved from https://inland.org/es/about/ what-is-it/ RURITAGE project (2022). Official website. Available at: https://www.ruritage. eu/project/ SGRD (2022). Secretaria General para el Reto Demografico. La despoblacion de españa en Numeros. SGAA (2013). Secretaria General de Agricultura y Alimentacion - Libro Blanco de la Trashumancia. Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentacion y Medio-Ambiete. THE EUROPEAN NETWORK FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT (ENRD) - European Comision. (n.d. a). LEADER Cooperation. [ebook] Available at: https://enrd.ec.eu-

ropa.eu/leader-clld/leader-copperation_ en [Accessed 04 Mar 2023] TRASHUMANCIA Y NATURALEZA. (2023). Main Webpage. Retrieved from https://trashumanciaynaturaleza.org/ YIN, R. K. (2014). Case Study Research: Design and Methods (5th ed.). Sage Publications. ZUBIAGA, M.; IZKARA, J.L.; GANDINI, A.; ALONSO, I.; SARALEGUI, U. (2019). Towards Smarter Management of Overtourism in Historic Centres Through Visitor-Flow Monitoring.

LIST OF FIGURES

Fig. 1 Shepherd with his Cattle - Available at: https://www.fundacionmontemediterraneo.com/ [Accessed 07 April 2023].

2018). The RURITAGE project.

Fig. 19. Historic picture of Spanish Shepherd in a rural village in Segovia Available online at: https://www.pinterest.es/pin/332492384975329000/ [Accessed 23 March]

Fig. 12. Hikers in the Karavanke Geopark. The RURITAGE project.

Fig. 20. The Steppe Bison. (LIFE CAÑADAS, 2018).

Fig. 2 Cattle and a Traditional Shepherds’ hut (Chozo): Google Search “Chozos de Pastores”.

Fig. 13. RURITANIA, an engagement workshop developed by RURITAGE. The RURITAGE Project.

Fig. 08. World Heritage Site Machu Pichu, Cusco, Peru. Google Search “Machu Pichu”.

Fig. 14. Pilgrims along the way of St. James. Spain. Google Search “Camino de Santiago”.

Fig. 25. Cañada Real Conquense Available online at : https://www. lasnoticiasdecuenca.es/provincia/ life-canadas-tras-recuperacion-biodiversidad-veredas-49185 [Accessed 3 May 2023]

All graphical representations (maps, diagrams, drawings) not listed below have been ellaborated by the author.

Fig. 09. Intangible Heritage, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Google Search “Intangible Heritage ICOMOS”.

Fig. 15. Map of the different routes along the way of St. James. Google Search “Camino de Santiago Rutas”.

Fig. 10. Rural Village in Teruel, Spain. Google Search “España vaciada” (empty spain).

Fig. 16. Karavanken Geopark, Austria. Google Search “Karavanken Geopark”

Fig. 11. Illustration of the Sistematic Innovation Areas. (EGUSQUIZA et al.

Fig. 17. Karavanken Trail Map. The RURITAGE project.

Fig. 26. Wool Products on Sale derived from Transhumant Cattle Available online at: https://artesaniamantasdelana.com/producto/ manta-de-lana-ribagorza/Fig. 12 Sheep grazing in the Pyrinees - Available online at: https://www.rtve.es/ rtve/20200330/entre-ovejas-1-pastor-trashumante/2011063.shtml [Accessed 1 may 2023]

Fig. 27. Cattle Grazing. Google Search “Ovejas Pastando”. Fig. 28. Folklore Celebrations in Arguedas, Navarra, Spain - Available online at: https://turismo.navarra.com/ event/dia-de-la-trashumancia-arguedas/ [Accessed 2 may 2023] Fig. 29. Historic picture of a Shepherd shelter ‘Chozo’. Available online at: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/1657966737772487/po sts/2901670610068754/?paipv =0&eav=AfbatLOQttNg94-L-V1tSlF2jxfhuOma9gAtw80eSn-WpCnSeAX7uiQEBuD760a8ve0&_rdr [Accessed 4 may 2023] Fig. 32. Traditional celebration of the Shepherd’s day, Covadonga, Asturias. Google Search “Fiesta del Pastor” Fig. 33. Tourist Walking along transhumant cattle, Monfrague. Google Search “Turismo y Trashumancia”.

Fig. 34 Sheep grazing in the mountains of Otxagabia, Navarra. Google Search “Ovejas Pastando”. Fig. 35. Hikers alongside cattle grazing, Belagua, Navarra. Google Search “Rebaños trashumantes Pirineos”. Fig. 36. Cattle grazing in the low pasture lands of Cuenca, Castilla La Mancha. Google Search “ganado pastando cultivo”. Fig. 38. Cyclist near Teruel, Aragon. Google Search “Ciclismo vias pecuarias”. Fig. 39. Example of a Parador Hotel Along the way of St. James. Google Search “Paradores España”. Fig. 40. Traditional Hut in the Pyrnees. Google Search “Chozo Pastor Pirineos”.

APPENDIX I The informative document shared with the different participants in order to share the author’s vision on a regenerative tourism strategy around Transhumant Heritage.

CURRÍCULUM NAME, AGE, NATIONALITY Alfredo Álvarez Curran, 27, Spain. TITLE Architect from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) MSc in ‘Sustainable Planning and Land Management’ Aalborg University, Denmark. EDUCATIONAL PATH In 2018 I won the Magalhanes scholarship to study for a year at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú in Lima. There I was able to investigate the different urban and territorial dynamics in environments as complex as Metropolitan Lima and the Andean mountain ranges of Peru. In 2020 I graduated in Architecture from the UPM with my work on the restoration of the Bunkers of the Spanish Civil War into artifacts of artistic value for contemplation of the landscape and the recent history of our country. In 2021 I enter Aalborg University, Denmark, to begin my Master’s studies. PROFESIONAL PATH In 2019 I worked alongside the restoration architect Juan de Dios in the restoration of various heritage buildings, including the Palacio de la Prensa in Gran Via, Madrid. From 2022 until now I have been working with NORRØN, a group of Danish architects of great prestige in the field of cultural, rural and passage architecture, collaborating in the development of strategic development plans for small rural communities in Denmark that have a wide heritage, natural and cultural value.

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INTRODUCTION

This work is part of the Thesis that will graduate me in the Master’s Degree in Sustainable Planning and Territorial Management at Aalborg University, in Denmark. Following my academic and professional career, I have decided to focus on an element in which heritage, popular knowledge and the challenges we face today as a society interact together on the landscape. The Cañadas Reales are routes that have been used by shepherds in the Iberian Peninsula for centuries to move their flocks from winter to summer pasture areas, being protected by law since the reign of Alfonso X The Wise. This transfer, known as Transhumance, has left a broad cultural and natural legacy that survives to this day. Today, heritage has the potential to articulate rural regeneration processes through regenerative tourism that preserves cultural identity, generates employment, stimulates the local economy and promotes sustainable development in harmony with the natural and social environment. The European Union’s RURITAGE project and other similar initiatives have demonstrated how heritage can be a valuable tool to revitalize and empower rural communities. This document, which will be shared with different actors involved in the rural world (rural inhabitants, public and private institutions, local and regional administrations, university researchers, etc.), raises the opportunities to promote regenerative tourism based on transhumant heritage. After this, those interested will be able to carry out a survey about the issues raised, in such a way that the impressions of those actors without whom this process could not occur are collected.

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VISION Study the potential of transhumant routes as axes of rural regeneration through Route Tourism (or Tour) through the Cañadas Reales. A local, sustainable tourism that integrates the different values and aspects of the pastoral/transhumant culture, such as gastronomic products (cheese and meats), textiles (wool and derivatives), real estate (huts, watering holes, resting places...), customs and folklore.

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ROUTE TOURISM Route tourism refers to the practice of traveling along a specific route that passes through different places and destinations. Tourists who participate in this type of tourism usually have a particular interest in exploring a certain geographical area and discovering its cultural, natural and historical heritage along the way. In this context, the Cañadas Reales and the practice of transhumance offer a solid basis for developing thematic and attractive tourist routes.

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LOCALIDAD MEDIANA-GRANDE

ITIN

ERA

RIO

DÍA

ITIN

ERA

DEHESAS

RIO

VAR I

Cultura

DÍA

Created Olena Panasovska from theby Noun Project

Monumentos Gastronomía

LOCALIDAD MEDIANA-PEQUEÑA

Comercios Hospedaje Gastronomía Comercios

MONTE

Hospedaje

CHOZO HABILITADO

Hospedaje

DIAGRAM OF A POSSIBLE TOURIST ITINERARY THROUGHOUT A LIVESTOCK TRAIL

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LOCALIDAD MEDIANA-GRANDE

ROUTE TOURISM, TRANSHUMANCE AND LIVESTOCK ROUTES

EXPERIENCE CULTURE, HERITAGE AND TRADITION

Following a route that encompasses these trails and highlights transhumance, tourists have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage and learn about pastoral traditions, rural life and the associated historical heritage.

NATURAL LANDSCAPES AND BIODIVERSITY

The livestock routes pass through a variety of natural landscapes, from mountains to plains and protected areas. Tourists who travel these routes can enjoy the scenic beauty of the natural environments and discover the biological diversity found along the route and how transhumance is a key factor in its conservation.

FOLKLORE AND CELEBRATIONS

Guided walks along the routes, livestock fairs, cultural festivals, herding demonstrations and other activities related to rural life and transhumance. It is an opportunity for local communities to take ownership of their cultural heritage and be proud to share it with visitors.

CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT AND OWNERSHIP

The development of tourism around transhumant and pastoral heritage must involve the active participation of the local community in decision-making and project implementation. By involving residents in managing their own resources and assets, empowerment and responsibility are encouraged, which in turn strengthens the social fabric.

LOCAL ECONOMY

Rural communities along the route will be able to provide services such as accommodation, food, tourist guides and local products, which contributes to the sustainable economic development of these areas and the communities’ sense of belonging to their environment. 105

REGENERATIVE TOURISM

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OBJETIVES • Regeneration of the rural social fabric that has been historically linked to transhumance, supporting it where it is still practiced and trying to revitalize it in those places where, although it is not practiced, its mark is still present. • Contribute to the regeneration of the Cañadas Reales as Biodiversity reservoirs that act as ecological corridors that support natural spaces, trying to find synergies between tourism and ecological restoration. • The dissemination of transhumance as a key activity in the Spanish landscape, generating environmental awareness among tourists by directly transmitting the contribution of pastoralism to the conservation of natural landscapes, ecosystems and biodiversity. • The restoration of real estate assets associated with the heritage of the pastoral world: huts, watering holes, resting places... the benefits and resources obtained from tourism should contribute to the restoration and preservation of such assets. • Community participation, strengthening of the social fabric and empowerment through the active participation of the local community in decision-making and project implementation. • Employment generation and local economic development, both directly related to livestock activity and in complementary sectors. • The approach of new generations to the pastoral world.

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HOW DO WE MAKE IT HAPPEN?

1. COMPREHENSIVE DIAGNOSIS Carry out an exhaustive diagnosis of the current situation of the rural area in question, identifying the challenges, resources, potential and existing assets, both in relation to the transhumant heritage and the pastoral world and in general. This involves collecting data, conducting socio-economic analysis and consulting stakeholders.

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2. STRENGTHS Identify the strengths of the area in question on which the development strategy will be based. In our case, these points could be related to the presence of sustainable agriculture or livestock in the area, the number of heritage properties both related to transhumance and in general, high-value natural areas or the presence of Local Action Groups with willingness to collaborate on such projects

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3. ACTION PLAN Develop a detailed action plan that establishes the goals, objectives, actions and timelines for the regeneration process. This plan must be participatory, involving local communities and other relevant stakeholders. In addition, funding sources and mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating progress must be identified.

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4. PILOT PLAN Initiate the implementation of pilot actions, focusing on specific projects that demonstrate the potential of rural regeneration based on transhumant heritage and the pastoral world. These actions could be the planning of a thematic route between two locations that combines hiking with the tasting of local products from the area derived from nomadic livestock, the rehabilitation of a hut for hikers to spend the night, or a herding demonstration for a number of tourists.

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5. LEARNING AND TRANSFER Facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration between rural areas involved in the regeneration process. This may include the organization of exchange visits, workshops, conferences and the creation of cooperation networks. The goal is to learn from successful experiences and adapt the lessons learned to different contexts.

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6. MONITORING AND EVALUATION Establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to measure the impact and progress of the regeneration process. This involves tracking key indicators, evaluating results, and adjusting strategies as necessary. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure sustainability and continuous improvement of the process.

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TEAMWORK Finally, it only remains to emphasize the importance of community work and the close collaboration of the different agents involved, whether public, private, associations or individuals. The Spanish rural environment, despite facing numerous obstacles, has a rich cultural and natural legacy that, through responsible, measured and community management, can be a source of wealth, biodiversity, pride and social well-being.

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COLLABORATE Finally, it only remains to emphasize the importance of community work and the close collaboration of the different agents involved, whether public, private, associations or individuals. The Spanish rural environment, despite facing numerous obstacles, has a rich cultural and natural legacy that, through responsible, measured and community management, can be a source of wealth, biodiversity, pride and social well-being.

Click here to access the survey. Thank you for your time

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APPENDIX II The survey printed out from Google Forms. and automatically translated from Spanish to English by Google Translate

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TRASHUMANCE AND REGENERATIVE TOURISM This survey is aimed at the different actors who could shape a rural regeneration process through the promotion of transhumant routes as tourist itineraries. The intention of this questionnaire is to gather the impressions of the greatest number of possible actors, belonging to different parts of the Spanish geography, in order to obtain a general map of the attitudes and opinions of relevant figures. * Indicates that the question is mandatory

What group does it belong to? *

Select all that apply.

Local Community: You are a resident of a rural locality where the transhumance and grazing. Livestock farmers or Shepherds

Local or Regional Authority Organization or Association (NGO, member of Local Action Group, Society...) Expert or Academic Local company or entrepreneur: sectors such as rural tourism, crafts, local gastronomy, etc. Other:

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Write below: Autonomous Community, Province and Municipality to which you belong.

1. Knowledge and perception of the transhumant heritage and the pastoral world

This section aims to understand to what extent the nomadic culture is still present in the participants' area, as well as the level of knowledge and awareness they have about this tradition and its cultural value. This will help to assess the existing foundation and appreciation of this heritage, which in turn will influence the development of appropriate conservation and promotion strategies.

Is transhumance practiced in your area today? Mark only one oval.

Yeah

No I have no knowledge of it

Do you know of any Cañada Real in your area? Answer YES or NO. If the answer is YES, could you indicate the name of the Cañada?

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How much knowledge do you have about the transhumant heritage and the pastoral world in your area? Mark only one oval.

Nothing

Quite

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How do you perceive the importance and cultural value of this tradition in your community? Mark only one oval.

Nothing important

Considerably important

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How do you think citizens in your area perceive the importance and cultural value of this tradition in the community?

Mark only one oval.

Nothing important

Considerably important

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2. Benefits of regenerative tourism around transhumant heritage and the pastoral world This section aims to identify the benefits that participants associate with tourism around the transhumant world, as well as understand their expectations and motivations, to finally highlight the positive aspects and opportunities that can arise from this tourist activity.

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Do you consider that regenerative tourism can provide benefits to the transhumant community and the rural environment in general?

Mark only one oval.

Nothing

Quite

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To what extent do you think that tourism based on transhumant heritage can contribute to the conservation and preservation of transhumant culture?

Mark only one oval.

Nothing

Quite

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10.

To what extent do you think tourism based on transhumant heritage can contribute to the conservation and restoration of the Cañadas Reales?

Mark only one oval.

Nothing

Quite

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eleven.

To what extent do you think tourism based on transhumant heritage can contribute to the generation of local employment?

Mark only one oval.

Nothing

Quite

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12.

To what extent do you think that tourism based on nomadic heritage can contribute to bringing new generations closer to the nomadic and pastoral world?

Mark only one oval.

Nothing

Quite

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13.

To what extent do you believe that tourism based on transhumant heritage can contribute to strengthening the rural social fabric? Mark only one oval.

Nothing

Quite

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14.

Could you name and describe any additional benefits that have not been mentioned? You could also provide your vision on any benefit mentioned.

Challenges and opportunities of tourism based on transhumant heritage Knowing the challenges and opportunities perceived by participants will provide valuable information on potential obstacles to overcome and areas where the advantages of rural regeneration based on transhumant heritage and the pastoral world can be maximized.

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fifteen.

To what extent do you think that rural depopulation and aging represent a challenge for the development of tourism based on transhumant heritage? Mark only one oval.

It is not a challenge

It is a great challenge

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16.

What level of citizen awareness and institutional support do you perceive currently exists towards transhumance and the pastoral world in your area? Mark only one oval.

None

Quite

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17.

To what extent do you think that the lack of resources and financing poses a challenge to promoting tourism based on transhumant heritage? Mark only one oval.

It is not a challenge

It is a great challenge

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18.

What level of demand do you foresee there may be for route tourism through the royal canyons? Mark only one oval.

Pretty low

Fairly tall

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19.

To what extent do you think that collaboration between different administrations (Municipal / Provincial / Regional) represents a challenge for the development of tourism based on transhumant heritage? Mark only one oval.

It is not a challenge

It is a great challenge

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twenty.

Are there conflicts or tensions in your area between transhumance, grazing and other uses of land and natural resources? Answer YES or NO. If the answer is YES, could you briefly explain the conflict?

twenty-one.

Could you describe another important challenge that has not been covered in the previous questions? You could also contribute your vision about any challenge mentioned.

Implications for the local community

Understanding how regenerative tourism can affect local communities allows us to evaluate the social, economic and cultural impacts that may arise. This is essential to ensure that development is sustainable and beneficial to the local community in terms of employment, quality of life and preservation of cultural identity.

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22.

Do you consider that regenerative tourism can have adverse effects on local/transhumant communities and the natural environment?

Mark only one oval.

Absolutely

Yes, quite

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23.

What do you consider to be possible adverse effects that tourism could have on local communities and transhumant families and the natural environment?

Participation and Collaboration The active participation of local communities and collaboration between different actors are essential for the success of the rural regeneration process. Identifying participants' perspectives and opinions on participation and collaboration will help promote an inclusive and participatory approach to decision-making and project implementation.

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24.

Do you think that the local community and transhumant families in your area would be predisposed to promoting regenerative tourism based on transhumant heritage in your area? Mark only one oval.

Absolutely

Yes, very willing

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25.

To what extent do you consider that local communities should participate in decision-making and the implementation of projects related to regenerative tourism based on transhumant heritage? Mark only one oval.

They shouldn't participate at all

They should participate a lot

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26. Does your area have a solid network of organized local actors (Local Action Groups, rural associations, etc.)? Answer YES or NO. If the answer is YES, could you briefly describe what it is about?

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27.

Do you consider that the private sector in your area can help promote regenerative tourism based on transhumant heritage? Mark only one oval.

Nothing

Quite

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28.

What actions or strategies do you consider necessary to promote collaboration between different actors, such as ranchers, local authorities, companies and organizations?

Institutional Support and Public Policies Institutional support and public policies play a crucial role in the promotion and development of regenerative tourism based on the transhumant heritage and the pastoral world. Understanding the expectations and needs of participants in relation to institutional support and public policies will allow the design of appropriate frameworks that support the rural regeneration process.

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29.

What level of support would you expect to receive from local and regional authorities to promote regenerative tourism based on transhumant heritage? Mark only one oval.

None

Quite

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30.

What type of institutional support and public policies do you consider necessary to promote regenerative tourism based on transhumant heritage in your area?

Final impressions

Finally, I would like to collect your personal impression on the matter. How do you feel about such an initiative? Do you think it has a future? Do you think it is relevant? Do you think the starting conditions are optimal to work on such an initiative? Where should you start working?

Thank you very much for taking your time and dedicating your attention.

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31.

Write your text below.

This content has not been created or approved by Google.

Forms

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MASTER THESIS. Evaluating the Potential of Transhumant Heritage for Rural Regeneration

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Walking with Tradition: Evaluating the Potential of Transhumant Heritage for Rural Regeneration