On 1 and 2 October, the Museum of Orléans for Biodiversity and the Environment (MOBE) hosted a conference titled "Associating Livestock Farming and Management of the Loire River Basin Ecosystems." Organized by the Conservatoire d'espaces naturels Centre-Val de Loire, the event brought together scientists, farmers, and representatives from various institutions to explore the relationship between pastoralism and ecosystem preservation, particularly through the Pasto'Loire project. The discussions focused on how traditional farming practices can support biodiversity and environmental balance in the region. Natural meadows along the Loire River are gradually disappearing due to the spread of shrubs and undergrowth. To address this, the Pasto'Loire project, led by the Conservatoire d'espaces naturels Centre-Val de Loire, promotes the return of livestock grazing. This method helps maintain open landscapes that are crucial for many plant and animal species. Michel Prévost, president of the Conservatoire, emphasized that the preservation of biodiversity in the Loire River Basin must involve traditional livestock farming, not isolate it in artificial conditions. He stated that the goal is to maintain living landscapes through practices that are adapted to the environment. Grazing also plays a role in the river's hydrological processes. Stéphane Braud, a hydromorphologist, explained that the growth of alluvial forests in minor riverbeds can affect water levels. While vegetation can help reduce the impact of floods downstream, its management must be tailored to the specific characteristics of each area. This highlights the need for careful planning and collaboration between different stakeholders. The Pasto'Loire project is built on a partnership between farmers and natural space managers. Farmers gain access to grazing areas, and their herds help maintain meadows. Michel Prévost described this as a "win-win partnership" that allows for the coexistence of economic activity and environmental conservation. François Michau, director of programs at the Federation of Natural Space Conservatories, added that the project encourages knowledge sharing among local actors and is part of a broader effort across the Loire basin, including initiatives related to wetlands and invasive species. However, this collaboration requires careful consideration of the river's unique characteristics. Floods and seasonal changes mean that farmers must adapt their herds' presence to environmental conditions and the needs of protected species. Corinne Eychenne, a geography professor at the University of Toulouse, described pastoralism as a form of extensive livestock farming that relies on herd mobility and the use of natural resources. She noted that pastoralists often operate in others' spaces, highlighting the challenges of land access. Beyond the ecological benefits, pastoralism is a demanding profession. Farmers must possess specific skills, such as observing animals and adapting to different environments. The work is physically challenging, and managing housing and shared spaces adds to the complexity. Corinne Eychenne called for greater recognition of these challenges in agricultural policies and advocated for the formation of pastoral collectives to support farmers through shared resources and cooperation. While the Pasto'Loire project demonstrates that livestock farming can contribute to environmental preservation, the conference also stressed that animals should not be viewed merely as tools for landscape maintenance. Corinne Eychenne emphasized that pastoralism involves both farmers and animals, with animals having their own needs and behaviors. This perspective encourages a more holistic approach to grazing, considering the well-being of both the environment and the people who manage it. For Michel Prévost, the Pasto'Loire project represents a "formidable human adventure." He sees it as a way to acknowledge the complexity of landscape management, which involves not only the environment but also the people, skills, and animals that contribute to its preservation. The discussions at the conference underscore the importance of thinking through the coexistence of these elements in a meaningful and sustainable way.