Manuel Götsch is a well-known shepherd from the Schnalstal valley in South Tyrol who has gained recognition for his work in alpine farming and his commitment to the traditional way of life and sustainable agriculture. As a member of a family deeply rooted in the traditions of the Schnalstal valley, Manuel Götsch plays an important role in preserving and developing the centuries-old practices of alpine farming.

Manuel Götsch grew up in the Schnalstal valley and was involved in the family’s agricultural activities from an early age. He developed a passion for nature and animals at an early age, which eventually led him to take up the profession of shepherd. He took responsibility for the care and well-being of the herds that are driven to the high alpine pastures during the summer months. This practice of transhumance is a central tradition in the region, where livestock are moved to higher pastures in the warmer months to take advantage of the fresh grass and return to the valleys in winter.

Working as a shepherd requires a variety of skills and a deep understanding of the alpine environment. Manuel Götsch has extensive knowledge of animal behavior, plant life and the changing weather conditions in the mountains. His daily work includes monitoring the herds, ensuring their health and protecting them from potential dangers such as predators and extreme weather events.

A notable aspect of Manuel Götsch’s work is his commitment to sustainable agriculture and the preservation of biodiversity. By grazing, the animals contribute to the spread of plant seeds and help keep the mountain meadows open and diverse. This sustainable management promotes biodiversity and helps maintain the ecological balance in the Alpine regions.

In addition, Manuel Götsch is also active in the local community and is committed to promoting and passing on traditional craft techniques. This includes making cheese and other dairy products, processing wool and maintaining the alpine buildings. These skills are not only an important part of his life, but also a cultural heritage that he preserves and passes on to younger generations.

Manuel Götsch has gained widespread recognition and respect in the community through his work and commitment. He is a living example of how traditional agricultural practices can remain relevant in the modern world and make a valuable contribution to preserving the environment and cultural identity.

His story and his work as a shepherd in the Schnalstal valley are an inspiring example of the importance of tradition, sustainability and the close connection between man and nature. Manuel Götsch contributes to preserving the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the South Tyrolean Alps and protecting them for future generations.

The Schnalser sheepherder Manuel Götsch leads around 1700 sheep every year from the Schnals Valley over the main Alpine ridge to the Ötztal – as his ancestors have done for centuries. He spends the summer there with the animals. This type of livestock farming is called transhumance and is UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. Manuel takes Sebastian Ströbel on a tour through the huge alpine area and together they try to save an injured sheep.

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Ancient shepherds’ calls echo through the morning darkness again. One of the most spectacular and oldest cattle drives in the Alps is about to begin: 1,500 sheep are being driven from the Schnalstal in South Tyrol to the Ötztal in Austria. For many centuries, people have been moving their animals across the mountains; this form of nomadic pastoralism is called transhumance and has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
A film crew accompanied the young South Tyrolean who has taken on the legacy of his ancestors: the 24-year-old shepherd Manuel Götsch. He hopes that this tradition, which has already lasted for centuries despite all the changes in the world, will continue long after him.