Presentation by Professor Francisco Spada.
On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, Professor Francesco Spada, representative of the Association of Transhumant Routes and Rural Routes (TT&RR), participated as a speaker in the « 1st International Conference on Universities and Cultural Itineraries », organized by the Compostela Group of Universities, the European Institute of Cultural Itineraries (Luxembourg), and its University Network for the Study of Cultural Itineraries.
During his intervention, Professor Spada emphasized the historical and cultural significance of the « Transhumant Routes » Itinerary, asserting that it meets all the criteria to serve as a backbone of European identity. These ancient paths, shaped over centuries by seasonal livestock migration, not only reflect the deep interconnection between humans and their environment but also embody intangible heritage values such as traditional knowledge, sustainable land use, and community resilience.
Spada highlighted the itinerary’s potential to foster a new model of cultural tourism rooted in authenticity and ecological awareness. By revitalizing these routes, local communities can benefit from diversified economic opportunities, including agro-tourism, artisanal production, and educational initiatives. He stressed that this potential must be framed within a pan-European vision that recognizes transhumance as a shared legacy across borders—from the Iberian Peninsula to the Balkans, and from the Alps to the Caucasus.
The professor also reported that TT&RR is active in all member countries through the work of partner organizations, which promote research, conservation, and public engagement. As a cultural itinerary, TT&RR is not only a network of physical paths but also a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration among historians, ecologists, anthropologists, and rural development experts.
In 2024, TT&RR’s scientific activity included an ethnobotanical expedition to southeastern Georgia (Tusheti), a remote highland region where traditional pastoralism continues to thrive. The expedition aimed to document local practices, plant knowledge, and the socio-cultural dynamics of transhumant communities. This research contributes to a broader understanding of how rural landscapes are shaped by mobility and how such practices can inform sustainable development strategies in marginal areas.
Professor Spada concluded by calling for increased visibility and institutional support for transhumant routes, urging universities and cultural bodies to recognize their value not only as heritage corridors but also as living laboratories for innovation in rural sustainability and intercultural dialogue.