Dates: 23, 24 September 2026 | Location: Florence (Tuscany), Italy
Join us for the Third International Conference of the LIFE ShepForBio Project, an international gathering that will bring together shepherds, researchers, public institutions, policymakers, and European networks to discuss the future of pastoralism in Europe.
Held within the framework of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, the conference will explore the contribution of pastoral systems to biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, sustainable land management, and rural development. Special attention will be given to protected natural areas, ecosystem services, generational renewal, innovation, training, and cultural heritage.
The event is expected to welcome approximately 80 participants from across Europe, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, networking, and the development of new collaborations.
Why Attend?
This conference offers a unique platform to:
- Exchange knowledge between pastoral practitioners and scientific communities.
- Explore innovative approaches to pastoral management in protected natural sites.
- Build transnational collaborations and networks.
- Reflect on current pastoral challenges, from climate change to new technologies.
Working languages: Italian & English (simultaneous interpretation provided)
Conference Programme
1st day: Tuesday, 23 September 2026
09:30 – 10:00: Reception and registration of participants
10:00 – 10:30: Official opening addresses
LIFE ShepForBio Project, Tuscany Region, International Year of Pastoralism and Rangelands 2026
Pastoralism and Climate Change
10:30 – 11:00: Opening keynote
Pablo Manzano, BC3 Basque Centre for Climate Change (Spain)
11:00 – 11:30: Coffee break
Projects and initiatives on pastoralism and climate change, followed by discussion
11:30 – 12:30: Antonello Franca (CNR Sassari, RETE APPIA, Italy)
12:30 – 13:30: André Mota (Viseu Dão Lafões Intermunicipal Community & LIFE Landscape Fire, Portugal)
13:30 – 14:10: Lunch break
Pastoralism and Biodiversity
14:10 – 15:00: Opening keynote
Zsolt Molnár, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research (Hungary)
Projects and initiatives on pastoralism and biodiversity, followed by discussion
Camilla Crifò (Conservatoire Naturel Côte d’Azur & LIFE SOS Criquet de Crau, France)
Carina Greiff (Länsstyrelsen Östergötland & LIFE Restoread, Sweden)
15:00 – 15:30: Coffee break
15:30 – 17:30: Roundtable discussion. How can the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy and the Nature Restoration Regulation support and promote sheep farming?
17:30 – 17:45: Conclusions of the first day
Wednesday, 24 September 2026
08:30 – 09:00: Reception and registration
Dialogue between traditional practices and innovation in modern sheep farming, with a focus on training and pastoral schools
09:00 – 11:00: RETE APPIA
11:00 – 11:30: Coffee break
11:30 – 12:00: Presentation of the European Pastoral Schools Technical Dossier developed within the LIFE ShepForBio project
Tommaso Campedelli (D.R.E.AM. Italia & LIFE ShepForBio)
Beatrice Bellavia (Euromontana & LIFE ShepForBio)
12:00 – 13:00: Lunch break
13:00 – 15:00: Interactive workshop. Developing proposals for the future of European pastoral schools
15:00 – 15:30: Coffee break
15:30 – 17:00: Film and documentary screenings on pastoralism, followed by discussion with directors, guests, and participants
Moderator: Linda Pappagallo (Institute of Development Studies & REPAIR Project, United Kingdom)
17:00 – 17:30: Final conclusions and closing remarks
About LIFE ShepForBio
LIFE ShepForBio is dedicated to improving the conservation status of key grassland habitats recognized by the Habitats Directive. By promoting and supporting pastoral practices, the project aims to establish a network of Pastoral Schools inspired by successful models across Europe. These schools play a crucial role in advancing sustainable pasture and grassland management, enhancing biodiversity, and protecting vital habitats.
Registrations will open soon, follow us and save the date in your calendar!