The seasonal ascent to katuns is not just a migration of herders; it is a centuries-old tradition still practiced in Montenegro today, preserving the spirit of past times and an authentic way of life [00:21]. Every village in our mountainous regions, following customary law, knows which mountain it has the right to use for seasonal grazing, and regardless of geographic location, the customs and practices remain almost identical across the country [00:28].<\/p>\n
Life in the Rhythm of Nature<\/strong><\/p>\n In the 21st century, katuns remain \u201coff-grid\u201d settlements. While modern technologies have introduced solar panels as the only source of electricity, the essence of life has remained unchanged [01:08]. Huts are built from locally available materials\u2014wood and stone\u2014blending perfectly into the high mountain landscape [00:45].<\/p>\n Life in the katun revolves around livestock and nature, following knowledge passed down through generations [02:01]. Although these areas often lack electricity and running water, highlanders have developed systems that successfully overcome these challenges.<\/p>\n Women as Guardians of Tradition and Gastronomy<\/strong><\/p>\n Women play a particularly important role in katuns. They are central to livestock care, dairy processing, preparation of traditional food, gathering medicinal herbs, and preserving skills such as wool processing [02:20]. Katun gastronomy is unique because it relies exclusively on what is produced on the mountain or gathered in the immediate surroundings [02:58].<\/p>\n Guardians of Biodiversity and Indigenous Breeds<\/strong><\/p>\n The presence of livestock in the mountains is crucial for nature conservation. Thanks to seasonal grazing, landscapes remain open and biodiversity protected. Where katuns disappear, pastures quickly turn into forests [04:40].<\/p>\n In our katuns, you can still encounter indigenous breeds such as the Bu\u0161a cattle [07:37] and the Sora sheep, which have been adapted over centuries to harsh mountain conditions [07:18].<\/p>\n Culture, Community, and the Future<\/strong><\/p>\n Katuns have always been centers of social life. Although there are fewer herders today than in the past, traditions of gathering for holidays such as Petrovdan or Ilindan are still alive [03:32]. With the sounds of gusle and flute, neighbors continue to gather by the huts to exchange stories and make agreements [03:47].<\/p>\n Today, tourism is bringing renewed interest among younger generations in these regions. Visitors from around the world\u2014from Italy and Turkey to the United States\u2014recognize the authenticity of the katun way of life [04:05].<\/p>\n Initiative for International Protection<\/strong><\/p>\n Aware of the value they hold, Montenegrin herders have launched an initiative to protect this cultural heritage at the national level. The goal is for Montenegro\u2019s system of transhumance (seasonal movement to katuns) to be recognized by GIAHS (Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems), giving this tradition the international recognition and protection it deserves [08:25].<\/p>\n