MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the protection of the historical, economic, productive and cultural heritage of sheep tracks in the Mediterranean
10.1.2012
Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris
B7‑0002/2012
Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the protection of the historical, economic, productive and cultural heritage of sheep tracks in the Mediterranean
The European Parliament,
– having regard to Rule 120 of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas from the Bronze Age, through the Middle Ages and right up to the first half of the 19th century sheep tracks formed a network that governed the law of movement, transhumance and settlement and are, for Mediterranean peoples, an important part of their historical heritage that needs to be protected;
B. whereas sheep track networks existed in European Mediterranean countries such as Spain, Italy and Greece, and even today some of these trails are used by the last remaining herdsmen practising cattle transhumance;
C. whereas the sheep tracks are of particular environmental and economic importance and could, inter alia, help to attract and develop tourism;
D. Whereas these tracks represent actual paths also in respect of the interconnection of old farms in the area, particularly those which raise indigenous breeds;
1. Calls for recognition of the historical, economic and productive importance of sheep tracks, which guard the memories of the cultural heritage of the ancient Mediterranean pastoral tradition;
2. Calls for the establishment of integrated measures designed to preserve, restore and enhance the network of sheep tracks that are of particular natural, historical and cultural interest, also with a view to promoting tourism and the food and wine of the areas concerned.