Over 100 participants joined via streaming, alongside around 200 in-person attendees—including approximately 60 young pastoralists from 37 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe. The event was with simultaneous translation between Spanish, English and French
For three days, we shared experiences, built connections, and discovered that many of the key challenges faced by young pastoralists are remarkably similar across regions—regardless of geography.
One of the most meaningful outcomes of this gathering has been the creation of a global young pastoralist’s community. This network is already actively connecting across continents, exchanging knowledge, solutions, pictures and videos, and opportunities through modern communication tools such as WhatsApp.
While it brings together those who participated in the event, it remains open to others who wish to contribute their experiences, traditions, and knowledge.
The discussions addressed some of the most pressing issues facing young pastoralists today, including:
• Intergenerational dialogue
• The integration of traditional knowledge and new technologies
• Climate change
• Recognition of pastoralists’ rights
• Land restoration and sustainable pastoralism
• Transhumance and mobile pastoral systems
• Pastoralism and wild animals
• Value chains, entrepreneurship, and economic transformation
• The role of women pastoralists
• The future of pastoralism
A unique strength of this event has been the exchange between young pastoralists, policymakers, and scientists from around the world. This dialogue created a powerful opportunity to strengthen global awareness of the vital role that pastoralism plays in our societies and ecosystems.
Here you can find the programme of the event
A key milestone of the gathering was the finalization of the Young Pastoralists Declaration, developed over several weeks by highly engaged young pastoralists worldwide, worked out and finetuned during the event and officially presented at its closure.
A special thank you to Jacob Lekaitogo, the coordinator of the IYRP Young Pastoralists Working Group, for his great collaboration and engagement in this event since we began its organisation one year ago, and a heartfelt thank you to
- my colleagues of Fundación Trashumancia y Naturaleza,
- all co-organizers (IMIDRA, FAO and CIHEAM),
- partners (ILC, Fundación Entretantos, Carpathian Convention),
- funders (Fundación Biodiversidad and Red Electrica Española),
- all participants and
- several volunteers
who altogether made this event possible.
Pastoralism connects traditions, livelihoods, and the future—across all continents.
Pastoralism is not only our past—it is our future.
