Date / Heure
Date(s) - 10-11 May 2023
Toute la journée
Emplacement
Florac - France
ShepForBio is organising its first international conference on “The role of pastoral schools in the management of natural habitats”, on 10 and 11 May 2023 in Florac (France).
ShepForBio is a LIFE project with the primary aim of enhancing the conservation status of three grassland habitat types that have been recognized as being of Community importance under the Habitats Directive (Habitats 5130, 6210, 6230). The project endeavours to achieve this objective by supporting and promoting pastoral activities. One of the essential actions that the project envisages is the establishment of a Pastoral School, based on the models already operational in various other European nations.
The creation of Pastoral Schools can have a significant impact on promoting pasture and grassland management that aligns with the goals of protecting these habitats and their biodiversity.
Objectives of the event
The event “The role of pastoral schools in the management of natural habitats” will discuss the role that pastoral schools can play in disseminating best practices for the conservation of habitats and biodiversity.
On 10 May, the conference will feature comprehensive presentations on the interrelationship between pastoralism and biodiversity during plenary sessions, as well as workshops entirely devoted to school activities and networking.
On 11 May, study visits will give participants the opportunity to discover educational tools, to meet shepherds and educators and to visit pastoral sites.
The target audience of the event includes pastoral schools and students, shepherds, natural park managers and all public and private stakeholders involved in pastoralism and habitat management.
Agenda
Day 1 – 10th of May
09.00-09.10: Welcome and introduction – why are we here?
09.10-09.30: Ecosystem services and EU policy
09.30-10.00: State of play of research and teaching on pastoralism
10.00-10.30: Break
10.30-11.00: ShepForBio: objectives and actions
11.00- 11.30: Pastoral practices and preservation of biodiversity
11.30-11.50: The role of the National Park as a support service for pastoral activities, regulatory aspects, how can pastoral practices be an asset or not for the environment and biodiversity?
11.50-12.30: Introduction of the afternoon workshops: What role for pastoral schools and education? Results of the Erasmus + Past’Orale + PastorEA program on the transmission of pastoral knowledge.
12.30-14.00: Lunch
14.00-15.30: Interactive Workshop 1 – What educational tools and resources need to be created or developed
15.30-15.50: Break
15.30-16.55: Interactive Workshop 2 – Needs/ideas/wishes for the creation of an European network on pastoralism training: What format? What objectives? Who is involved?
16.55-17.00: Conclusions
Day 2- Field visit – 11th of May
08.30- 15.00 Field visit
Logistics & registration
The event will take place in Florac (France), in the Cévénnes National Park. It is hosted by the Institut Agro Montpellier and their Institut Agro Florac, which promotes technical agricultural education. The event will take place at:
L’Institut Agro Florac
9 rue Célestin Freinet
48400 Florac-Trois-Rivières
More information on how to reach the event venue will be communicated soon.
Interpretation will be provided in English and French during the conference. No interpretation will be available during study visits.
You can register by filling in this form.
