Shepherding and the Dynamics of Intangible Heritage

Animal husbandry is one of the oldest human occupations, and it is well spread over the world. Most importantly, during the centuries of practising this occupation, humans have developed a solid understanding of the environment they were living in, developing in time a specific traditional ecological knowledge. This traditional knowledge is part of an intangible heritage that the communities have and cherish, although it is constantly changing and adapting to new conditions. In the past years, more and more researchers are documenting the change, by looking at the challenges and dynamics of this occupation, its uncertainties, and contemporary risks. The “Introduction” of this special issue of Martor overviews the research focusing on the changes that pastoralism is going through. It also presents the articles that are included in the volume.