Steps for Advancing Rural Grazing and Eco-Tourism at Cañizar Lagoon (Teruel)
In the picturesque landscape of Laguna del Cañizar, Teruel, an event took place on July 24 and 25, aimed at reviving the cultural, environmental, and economic value of transhumance and extensive pastoralism.
The event, organised by the Cultural Association La Dula, Global Nature Foundation, and the "Pasture Nature" initiative, brought together specialists in the agro-environmental sector, local representatives, and various organisations such as CROA, cultural, environmental, and tourist agents of the Jiloca region and the Valencian Community, Red impulsa Jiloca, Acobija, ganaderas en red, among others.
The "Pasture Nature" project, initiated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) between October 2022 and September 2025 in various protected areas, is being carried out in terrestrial areas that are specifically dedicated to nature conservation and are subject to a special legal regime for their protection.
The immersive experience included a visit to a transhumant horse herd, demonstrations of horseshoeing and threshing, a tasting of seasonal gastronomy, a demonstration of the cowboy's trade, a small transhumance with oxen, and a nocturnal astronomical observation. Local gastronomy tastings were also offered at the event.
The event served as a meeting space for shepherds, technicians, institutional representatives, and rural agents. The Association of Transhumant Horse Breeders La Dula was also featured, showcasing its trajectory and current activities.
The conclusions of these events will serve as a basis for developing a roadmap of tourist and pedagogical experiences that strengthen the local economy, promote biodiversity, and restore prominence to rural lifestyles in the territory. On July 25, the focus was on defining continuity lines to activate sustainable ecotourism experiences linked to pastoralism.
"Pasture Nature" is supported by the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO) within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan (PRTR), financed by the European Union - NextGenerationEU.
The audiovisual initiative "Filmobitácora" was presented, which will collect in documentary format the memories, practices, and landscapes of transhumance in the Jiloca region. ECOticias.com was involved in the event.
Transhumance, an ancient practice of seasonally moving livestock between winter and summer pastures, is fundamental to the economy and culture of many regions, including the Iberian Peninsula, the Alps, the Pyrenees, and other parts of the world. These events highlight the importance of protecting transhumance and grazing as key to conserving biodiversity, maintaining rural landscapes, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The event reflected a lifestyle respectful of the environment, symbolizing the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. The tested rural accommodation resources like Masía Los Camineros and Las Masadas, and assessed the potential of the cabins at Laguna del Cañizar as a nucleus for ecotourism and environmental education.
In conclusion, the event in Teruel marked a significant step towards reviving and preserving the traditional practices of transhumance and pastoralism, while promoting sustainable tourism and economic growth in rural communities.
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