EU4SUPA project hosts workshop on livestock dogs in Babia

The EU4SUPA European project recently held a working session in the Babia region of León, Spain, focused on the environmental and economic role of dogs in traditional livestock farming. Organized by the Fundación Monte Mediterráneo and facilitated by Cesefor, the event brought together shepherds, livestock farmers, and technical experts to share practical knowledge and improvement proposals.

The session included a presentation of the EU4SUPA project and a field visit to a mountain pass, where participants observed sheep flocks and the dogs used for herding and protection in high-altitude areas. A co-creation workshop followed, utilizing four working groups to discuss the management and selection of herding and guard dogs, such as Mastiffs and the Leónese Carea.

Key topics of debate included the daily challenges faced by shepherds, the preservation of transhumance culture, relationships with public administrations regarding protection dogs, and the conservation of native breeds. The EU4SUPA project aims to develop innovative training tools and foster knowledge exchange to strengthen sustainable pastoralism across Europe.