Organised by Euromontana and SUACI Montagn'Alpes, the event will echo and contribute to the objectives of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026, which aims to raise global awareness of the vital role rangelands and pastoralists play in conserving and enhancing bio-cultural diversity, tackling land degradation, fostering sustainable food systems, advancing climate action, supporting local economies, and strengthening the socio-ecological resilience of rural communities.

Mountain farming is characterised by extensive, low-input and traditional practices such as transhumance, pastoralism and grazing. Mountain extensive farming is by essence multifunctional and provide a wide range of benefits such as carbon sequestration, wildfires prevention, the production of high-quality food products, and the maintenance of cultural landscapes..

However, these practices are facing increasing pressure from a lack of generational renewal, limited recognition in public policies, difficult working conditions and the growing impacts of climate change. The XIV European Mountain Convention will be an opportunity to explore and identify solutions and pathways to overcome these challenges at different political scales to ensure that mountain livestock systems are better recognised and supported across political levels in Europe.