Within the EURO-MED program, through the MED GIAHS project, which aims to preserve traditional agricultural practices and recognize them as part of globally important agricultural heritage systems (GIAHS), the Regional Development Agency for Bjelasica, Komovi and Prokletije is implementing activities to protect katuns as a potential GIAHS site. The GIAHS program recognizes exceptional traditional land-use systems, rich biodiversity, resilient ecosystems, and valuable cultural heritage managed by farmers, herders, and fishermen worldwide.
On October 7 and 8, 2025, a Training of Trainers was organized in Montenegro within the MED GIAHS project, with the participation of Italian experts from the University of Florence, Dr. Antonio Santoro, Deputy Director of the UNESCO Chair on Agricultural Heritage Landscapes, and Francesco Piras, a researcher at the same chair.
On the first day, the Italian experts, in cooperation with the Regional Development Agency for Bjelasica, Komovi and Prokletije, visited several katuns and familiarized themselves with the tradition of “izdig” (seasonal movement to mountain pastures), the most authentic form of pastoral life in Montenegro. On the second day, the Training of Trainers was held, focused on the application preparation process for GIAHS nomination, through familiarization with the criteria and methodology of the program.
The training was attended by representatives of RRA BKP, the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development, the Association of Rural Households of Montenegro, as well as local farmers.
The inclusion of katuns in the GIAHS network will contribute to the preservation of their identity and authenticity, the improvement of living conditions for the local population, and the development of sustainable rural tourism. The application for recognizing katuns as a GIAHS site is planned by the end of the year, representing an important step towards international recognition of katuns as a living heritage that connects nature, tradition, and farmers.
