Mountain Alliance for Pastoralists & Minority People
Facilitated by:
Librazhd, Albania | 30 May 2026
In a significant step toward recognizing the role of pastoral communities in sustaining rural economies and biodiversity, and in what many described as a long-overdue conversation, the Municipality of Librazhd hosted the IYRP–Western Balkans Regional Gathering of Pastoralists [Elbasan Zonal Gathering-1 at Librazhd] on 30 May 2026. Held at Cherry Park, the gathering brought together 44 participants, including shepherds, local authorities, civil society actors, and technical experts. Organized within the framework of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026, the event was facilitated by The Grassroots Institute Western Balkans, in close collaboration with Librazhd Municipality and local partner organizations such as Alb-Natyra and Pertej Te Sotmes. In the quiet hills of eastern Albania, this gathering drew attention to a sector often overlooked in policy debates but vital to rural life and ecological balance. It marked an important moment for pastoral communities across the region, particularly those in eastern Albania, where livestock and traditional grazing systems continue to shape both livelihoods and landscapes. Dr. Krishtaq Skenderi, a veterinary expert at Elbasan, has played key role in organizing this event.
Librazhd Municipality, located in the Elbasan Region along the Shkumbin River valley and bordering North Macedonia, is characterized by mountainous terrain, extensive forests, and rich biodiversity. With over 138,000 hectares of forests and meadows, the area provides a natural base for livestock farming and pastoral practices. The proximity to Shebenik-Jabllanicë National Park further enhances its ecological significance. The local economy relies heavily on agriculture and livestock, with small-scale farmers and shepherds forming the backbone of rural livelihoods. However, despite its potential, the sector faces structural challenges that have long remained under-addressed.
The initiative to organize the regional gathering began in early 2026, when Librazhd Municipality formally joined the broader Western Balkans process of celebrating pastoralism. It was the part of regional initiative, Western Balkans Regional Gathering of Pastoralists, being facilitated by The Grassroots Institute, and partnered and collaborated by various organizations from the region. The agreement reflected a growing recognition among local authorities that livestock farming and biodiversity conservation are deeply interconnected.
A preliminary meeting was convened soon after, bringing together municipal officials, agricultural experts, civil society representatives, and experienced farmers. This meeting laid the groundwork for a coordinated approach, including the establishment of a Working Group comprising representatives from the municipality, the Directorate of Agriculture, and partner organizations. The Working Group played a central role in shaping the process. It undertook field-level consultations, conducting 15 interviews with shepherds across different administrative units. These consultations provided valuable insights into the lived realities of pastoral communities — insights that would later inform the agenda of the regional gathering.
“The idea was simple — listen first, then act”, noted Dr. Hasrat Arjjumend of The Grassroots Institute Western Balkans. “Too often, policies are designed without understanding the daily realities of pastoral communities”.
The consultations revealed both the resilience and the vulnerability of pastoral systems. Shepherds spoke openly about their daily challenges, ranging from infrastructural gaps to market constraints and environmental pressures. Importantly, the process created a space where shepherds — often excluded from formal decision-making — could articulate their concerns directly. The diversity of voices, including those from remote villages, ensured that the discussions reflected the full spectrum of pastoral experiences in the municipality. “For once, we feel like partners, not just beneficiaries”, said a young shepherd from a remote village.
Set against the rugged landscape near Shebenik-Jabllanicë National Park, the gathering opened with powerful testimonies from local shepherds:
The gathering opened with personal narratives — stories of seasonal migration, intergenerational knowledge, and the realities of managing livestock under increasingly uncertain conditions.
The event itself was carefully designed to reflect pastoral identity. Held in an open setting, it included symbolic elements of shepherd culture — traditional livestock breeds, pastoral tools, and visual representations of transhumance traditions. For many participants, this was the first time their work and identity were formally acknowledged in a public and institutional space.
The Regional Gathering at Librazhd unfolded as a dynamic platform for dialogue. It brought together lived experience and institutional perspectives, highlighting the complexity of pastoral systems. Key contributions included:
“Being a shepherd today is not what it used to be”, said Urim Biçaku. “Costs are rising, young people are leaving, and support systems are weak”. “We don’t even have proper access roads to some grazing areas”, another participant noted.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Kristaq Skënderi, coordinator and partner for WBRG Elbasan Zone, emphasized that pastoralism should be viewed not only as an economic activity but also as an important contributor to biodiversity conservation, landscape management, and cultural heritage. Referring to the broader Western Balkans initiative, he highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation between pastoral communities, local institutions, and civil society organizations in order to ensure that shepherds’ concerns are reflected in development policies.
“The future of pastoralism depends on whether institutions and communities are prepared to work together,” Skënderi told participants, stressing the importance of preserving traditional knowledge while creating opportunities for younger generations to remain engaged in livestock farming. “Livestock farming is not just production — it is part of how biodiversity is maintained and landscapes are shaped”. He stressed collaboration:
The gathering was moderated by Shpëtim Cura, who guided discussions between shepherds, municipal officials, agricultural specialists, and civil society representatives. Throughout the event, he encouraged participants to share practical experiences from the field and ensured that local concerns were documented for future policy discussions. According to Cura, one of the most valuable outcomes of the gathering was the opportunity for shepherds from different villages to exchange experiences and collectively identify priorities for action. He particularly articulated:
Representatives of local civil society organizations participating in the Working Group emphasized that rural communities require more targeted support if traditional livestock systems are to remain viable. Discussions focused on access to water, veterinary services, grazing infrastructure, and market opportunities for livestock products. Gezim Shuli, participating as a local stakeholder and community representative, underscored the importance of ensuring that pastoral families are included in local development planning. He noted that many challenges facing shepherds are interconnected and require coordinated responses from municipalities, government agencies, and development organizations. He said:
Water scarcity emerged as one of the most pressing issues. Shepherds described difficulties in securing reliable water sources for livestock, especially during the summer months. “Hydropower projects are affecting water availability”, said Vait Hasa, raising concerns shared by many. “We are being pushed into a corner where both nature and livelihoods are under pressure”. Others highlighted tensions between conservation policies and pastoral practices, particularly in protected areas.
The discussions brought forward a comprehensive set of challenges affecting the pastoral sector:
Infrastructure Deficits
Many grazing areas lack basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, internet and safe shelters for both shepherds and livestock. This limits productivity and increases vulnerability.
Water Scarcity and Resource Management
The absence of water reservoirs and irrigation systems emerged as a critical issue, particularly in summer months. Conflicts over water use, including those linked to hydropower projects, were also highlighted.
Environmental Pressures
Shepherds reported increased risks from wildlife and restrictions related to protected areas. At the same time, they emphasized their role in maintaining ecological balance through traditional grazing practices.
Technological and Knowledge Gaps
Limited access to modern equipment for milking and processing, as well as insufficient information about sustainable livestock practices, continues to hinder development.
Market and Financial Constraints
Difficulties in accessing markets and limited awareness of financial instruments such as loans and subsidies restrict income opportunities.
Social and Demographic Challenges
A notable concern is the declining interest of young people in pastoralism, raising questions about the future of the sector.
Institutional Gaps
The absence of a formal network or association of shepherds was identified as a major barrier to collective action and advocacy.
Participants reiterated: “Hydropower projects are affecting water availability”, said Vait Hasa. “We are told to protect biodiversity”, said Agush Hasa, “but traditional grazing is part of that biodiversity”. “We are facing a situation where both nature and livelihoods are under strain”, a shepherd remarked.
Local authorities acknowledged the need for stronger support. “We are committed to supporting livestock farmers”, said Hysni Hysa, Director of Agriculture. Experts emphasized institutional gaps: “There is a clear need for investment in animal health infrastructure”, said Dr. Aqif Faqolli.
A recurring concern was youth disengagement. “Young people don’t see a future in this work. If nothing changes, who will continue after us?” Participants linked this to lack of training, modernization, and recognition. Participants highlighted the absence of a formal shepherds’ association. “Individually, we struggle. Together, we can influence change”. Momentum is building toward forming such a network at the municipal level.
As the meeting concluded, participants expressed cautious optimism: “We don’t expect everything to change immediately. But this is a start”. The gathering marked a step toward re-centering pastoral communities in development discourse. “We are not just keeping animals — we are keeping landscapes alive”. In Librazhd, that message has begun to resonate beyond the mountains.
“The Librazhd gathering is part of a broader Western Balkans initiative to bring pastoral issues into policy discussions. This is not just about one municipality. It’s about recognizing pastoralism as a vital part of our shared future. Across the Western Balkans, similar initiatives are beginning to highlight the importance of rangelands and pastoralists in addressing challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and rural depopulation”, emphasized by Dr. Petrit Dobi, member of Regional Facilitation Team, WBRG.
Despite these challenges, the gathering was widely regarded as a success. It succeeded in generating renewed interest among shepherds and created a platform for sustained dialogue between communities and institutions. Despite challenges, the meeting was widely seen as a success. It created an open space for dialogue and strengthened interest in sustaining pastoral traditions. The facilitation by The Grassroots Institute Western Balkans helped connect local realities with regional and international processes. By connecting grassroots voices with policy frameworks, the initiative contributes to a more inclusive approach to rural development.
The outcomes of the meeting have already begun to shape next steps. The Working Group, in coordination with Librazhd Municipality and partner organizations, has outlined a series of follow-up actions:
There is also growing momentum toward establishing a formal association of shepherds, which could serve as a platform for collective representation and knowledge exchange.
The Regional Gathering in Librazhd was more than a one-day event. It was a step toward re-centering pastoral communities in development discourse — recognizing their knowledge, addressing their challenges, and supporting their role as stewards of both land and culture.
As the process moves forward, the continued engagement of institutions, civil society, and pastoral communities themselves will be essential. The groundwork has been laid; the next phase will determine how these conversations translate into lasting change on the ground.
Concluding the event, Prof. Dr. Luigj Turmalai, member of Regional Facilitation Team, WBRG, lamented that “there remains a significant disconnect between grassroots pastoral realities and institutional responses, while emphasizing that gatherings such as Librazhd offer a pathway to bridge this gap through dialogue, evidence, and collective action”.
