Sostenibilità dell'allevamento pastorale in piemonte : primi risultati di un progetto finalizzato

Sustainability of livestock breeding in Piedmont: preliminary results from a specifically designed study - In 2011, an extensive research project aimed at identifying action policies to promotepastoral livestock breeding in the Piedmont region was begun (The 2011-2013 Prolodst project, financed by the Piedmont Region). This initiative plans to protect traditional livestock breeding systems by raising awareness of the importance of safeguarding this enterprise and promoting the shepherd figure. Interviews with shepherds in the Piedmont region provided essential information, used during collective and individual debates on the problems and urgencies characterizing the current conditions of the western Alps pastoral systems. Additional interviews, conducted directly on mountain pastures, revealed a number of critical issues, among which significant cases of predation by wolves. Preliminary data points to the necessity of developing support systems, reference frames, and economic exploitation of livestock production capable of urging shepherds towards cohabitation measures with the predator. Public opinion must also be informed through a variety of communication actions so as to counterbalance wolves' popularity, and provide more information relative to shepherds life conditions and the resources (e.g. landscape, products and traditions) deriving from traditional livestock breeding activities. During research, the protagonists have gained minor - although quite important - visibility, broadening insight into the socio-psychological impact on major subjects and allowing for considerations that may increase overall sustainability. Thanks t0 this initiative, the Piedmont livestock breeding system aims to recover not only economically, but also ecologically and culturally, from conditions that have been depressed for decades. Ultimately, the research project aims to propose the creation of professional profiles which would support the livestock breeding activity and its strategic development (in line with the "French” model, e.g. shepherd school), and build a reference frame for the modern livestock breeding system.