ICOMOS launches World Heritage Transhumance Initiative to highlight the heritage value of Transhumance Cultural Landscapes | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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ICOMOS launches World Heritage Transhumance Initiative to highlight the heritage value of Transhumance Cultural Landscapes

Posted 10 Jul 2024

2 min read

The initiative is led by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and supported by Azerbaijan.

  • Initiative aims to highlight complex environmental, cultural and social dimensions of transhumance, promote international cooperation and building awareness of its contribution to human heritage.  

About Transhumance

  • Transhumance is the traditional practice of seasonal livestock movement, which involves the migration of human communities along with their herds.  
  • It is a common practice in several mountainous regions throughout the world.
  • In 2023, two transhumance traditions – Transhumance in 10 European States and Alpine Pasture season of Switzerland – were declared Intangible Cultural Heritages of Humanity.

Significance of Transhumance Landscapes

  • Since prehistoric times, it exemplified the sustainable use and intelligent adaptation to often inhospitable environments amid changing climatic conditions. 
  • It ensures food security and fosters social inclusion and strengthens cultural identity.
  • Promote conservation of ecosystem and biodiversity as it plays a role in habitat conservation, seed dispersal, fire prevention etc.  

Threat to Transhumance Culture

  • Economic changes favouring settlements, reduced grazing area, climate change and diversion of land for industrial purposes and urban development.

Transhumance Landscapes of India

  • The transhumance practice is prevalent in the Himalayas, where there are several nomadic tribes such as Gujars, Bakarwals, Gaddis and Changpas, who rear sheep and goats.
    • Animals are moved to subalpine and alpine pastures during summer, while during winter they are grazed on adjoining plains. 
  • This system also exists in the plains, such as Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Tags :
  • Transhumance
  • ICOMOS
  • Transhumance Landscapes of India
  • Transhumance Cultural Landscapes
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