On October 11, 2024, the Transhumance trails network held its ceremony of certification as a new Cultural Route of the Council of Europe. This distinction, granted in July 2023, was formally presented at the Teatro Leal in San Cristobal de La Laguna, in Canary Islands.
The Route focuses on traditional paths and livestock transhumance pastoral practices, both active and historical. This initiative, led by Spain, Italy, and Sweden, includes regions from several European countries and involves also Mexican and Guatemalan counterparts. Academic Chairs of the university de la Laguna were involved in the certification process and provided good practices and synergies with the management of UNESCO World Heritage site of la Laguna. Out of eight projects submitted in 2023, only the Transhumance Trails were selected.
The new route, which focuses excessively on rural areas, will enhance economic and social growth. The stake is to develop high-value tourist products out of this deeply rooted local resource. This route, which emphasizes sustainable tourism, is providing resources to its members in addressing their regional development challenges.
The event was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Culture and Sports and by Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, the Mayor of San Cristobal de la Laguna. Stefano Dominioni, Director of the European Institute of Cultural Routes (EICR), handed over the certificate recognizing the Transhumance trails as a Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe to Francisco García, the rector of the University of La Laguna.
The Universidad de La Laguna, which has been deeply involved in the dynamics of the certification signed its membership to the University Network for Cultural Routes Studies. The University Network for Cultural Routes Studies aims to foster research on the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, encourage students to explore these themes in their academic work, jointly apply for European grants with the EICR, participate in the EICR’s annual activities, and offer scientific expertise where needed.
