EU4SUPA project launched to modernise sustainable pastoralism across Europe
A new Erasmus+ initiative unites seven European organisations to boost pastoral training, protect biodiversity and support rural communities.
The EU4SUPA project:
EU4SUPA – European Union for Sustainable Pastoralism
Duration: 30 months (2024–2027)
Programme: Erasmus+ KA220-VET
Coordinator: Fundación Monte Mediterráneo (FMM), Spain
Partners: CESEFOR (Spain), INNSAMBLE (Spain), AGROM-RO (Romania), AU-Plovdiv (Bulgaria), HAUP (Austria), D.R.E.Am. Italia (Italy).
The EU4SUPA project – European Union for Sustainable Pastoralism – officially launched its activities on 1 November 2025, marking the beginning of a 30-month transnational collaboration aimed at revitalising pastoralism through innovative vocational education and training. Funded by the Erasmus+ programme and co-funded by the European Union, the initiative addresses the urgent environmental, socio-economic and cultural challenges facing pastoral communities across Europe.
Pastoralism plays a vital role in conserving biodiversity, preventing soil degradation, mitigating wildfires and supporting rural economies. However, the sector is under increasing pressure due to climate change, rural depopulation and the erosion of traditional ecological knowledge. EU4SUPA brings together a diverse partnership from Spain, Italy, Austria, Bulgaria and Romania to create a modern, sustainability-oriented training pathway that empowers both current and future shepherds.
The project aims to modernise pastoral education, strengthen environmental sustainability in pastures, preserve traditional knowledge and enhance the attractiveness of pastoralism as a profession.
During the kick-off meeting, partners highlighted the strong motivation behind the project: the need to professionalise pastoralism and reinforce environmental resilience. Building on previous cooperation experiences, the partnership will co-create a comprehensive learning programme that integrates scientific knowledge with traditional practices. The project places a strong emphasis on EU priorities regarding the environment and climate action, inclusion and diversity, as well as aligning vocational training with labour market needs.
EU4SUPA aims to:
- Develop a collaborative knowledge model through Rangeland and Pasture Labs in six European regions;
- Create an innovative curriculum and an online training programme on sustainable pastoralism;
- Pilot and validate the training modules using blended learning methodologies;
- Establish a European network for sustainable pastoralism, engaging with educators, shepherds, researchers and policymakers.
This initiative strongly resonates with the upcoming International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026, providing a unique opportunity to raise visibility and build long-term momentum for the sector.